Los Angeles Dodgers freshman pitcher Loki Sasaki surprised the catcher by showing off a huge splitter. He showed off his talent in bullpen pitching with about 300 people including media and fans watching.
Sasaki threw a bullpen session at the ongoing spring camp at Glendale Camelback Wrench in Arizona on Wednesday. In the third bullpen session at the camp, which he held side by side with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Sasaki threw 23 pitches.
"The catcher was astonished by Sasaki's stable," the Japanese media Full Count said, introducing the pitching. The "magoo" delivered by the media is none other than a splitter. Sasaki threw five of his 23 pitches with a splitter, which surprised catcher Hunter Pedusia. "It's a very unique pitch. It falls in any direction. It shakes with a good feeling, but I've never seen a split like this before," he said.
Sasaki's other main weapon, which is drawing attention by throwing a 160km/h light speed ball, is the splitter. The angle of falling is sharp, the ball shakes greatly, and the speed exceeds 140km/h, which is very fast. When Sasaki strikes out a batter, he uses it as his main weapon. Veteran catcher Austin Barnes also expressed surprise at his splitter in the bullpen pitching on the 13th.
Yamamoto, who pitched from the side, threw 42 pitches, increasing the number of pitches compared to Sasaki.
Watching their pitching, Manager Dave Roberts said, "It was very good." The Japanese starting duo are scheduled to take the mound in the opening two consecutive games against the Chicago Cubs on March 18-19. Yamamoto will play in the opening game and Sasaki will take the mound in the second game. Those who have been selected as starters for the opening series in their home country have shown strong training pace and attitude from the beginning of the camp. 바카라