​On March 4, 2025, Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki made his much-anticipated Cactus League debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Cincinnati Reds at Camelback Ranch in Arizona. The 23-year-old right-hander delivered an electrifying performance, pitching three scoreless innings, striking out five batters, allowing two hits, and issuing one walk. Sasaki’s fastball consistently reached impressive velocities, topping out at 99.3 mph, and his signature splitter induced seven swings and misses out of eight attempts. 

Sasaki entered the game in the fifth inning, following starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who had pitched four innings of two-run ball. Despite facing challenges in the sixth inning with runners on second and third, Sasaki showcased his poise by escaping the jam unscathed. He concluded his outing on a high note, striking out two batters in the seventh inning, including a punchout of Carlos Jorge. ​

Reflecting on his debut, Sasaki expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness but noted his ability to focus once on the mound. He credited his performance to a combination of adrenaline and improved mechanics, having worked diligently in the lab to refine his form.  Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Sasaki’s outing, stating it was the best they had seen from him and highlighting the quality of his pitches. 

Overall, the Dodgers secured a 4-2 victory over the Reds. Mookie Betts contributed offensively by hitting his first Spring Training home run in the third inning, reducing the Dodgers’ deficit to 2-1.  The team’s pitching staff effectively contained the Reds’ lineup, with Sasaki’s standout performance being a significant highlight of the game. ​

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