By Los Angeles, CA – On March 12, 2025, MLB Network shared a buzzworthy post on X at 1:19 p.m. ET, featuring Roki Sasaki’s debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers and analyst Harold Reynolds’ glowing review of the young pitcher’s splitter. The post, linked to a Hot Stove segment, described the 23-year-old Japanese star’s pitch as “right there” with the best Reynolds has ever seen, building excitement ahead of the Dodgers’ 2025 MLB Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18-19.
Harold thinks Roki Sasaki’s splitter is already “right there” with the best he’s ever seen 🤯@Dodgers | #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/Ay2KtXjFfx
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 12, 2025
Roki Sasaki, signed by the Dodgers in January 2025 for $15.5 million, brings a dazzling 2.02 ERA from 399.2 innings in Nippon Professional Baseball to MLB. Known for his electric fastball and devastating splitter, Sasaki is vying for a rotation spot, competing with Yoshinobu Yamamoto and other stars. The image accompanying the post shows Sasaki in his Dodger blue uniform, mid-pitch at Camelback Ranch, with the scoreboard highlighting a matchup against the Cincinnati Reds, signaling his early-season readiness.
Harold Reynolds, a former MLB All-Star and current MLB Network analyst with 12 seasons of experience, including with the Seattle Mariners, offered his expertise on Hot Stove. Alongside Matt Vasgersian, Reynolds praised Sasaki’s splitter—its sharp drop and deception—positioning it among elite pitches like those of Mariano Rivera. This analysis, part of MLB Network’s live coverage, underscores Sasaki’s potential to elevate the Dodgers, fresh off their 2024 World Series title, as they open the season internationally in Tokyo.
The Tokyo Series, part of MLB’s Asian expansion strategy, capitalizes on Sasaki’s and Shohei Ohtani’s global appeal, drawing massive interest from Japanese fans. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has hinted at Sasaki’s role in the rotation, making this debut a must-watch moment. Fans on X are buzzing, with some calling Sasaki “Ohtani 2.0” and others debating his splitter’s MLB impact. As the Dodgers prepare for their “world tour,” MLB Network’s spotlight on Sasaki’s arsenal signals a thrilling 2025 season, with Reynolds’ endorsement adding fuel to the fire.
