Roki Sasaki's "Nuclear-Level" Performance: 6 Runs in 5 Innings! US Media Criticizes: Starting Role May Be Lost

Los Angeles Dodgers' 24-year-old Japanese fireballer, the "Reiwa Monster" Roki Sasaki, started against the Washington Nationals yesterday, pitching 5 innings, allowing 2 home runs, and surrendering a career-high 6 runs. US media harshly criticized him, suggesting his starting role might be jeopardized.

In the bottom of the third inning, Sasaki encountered turbulence; after two outs, Luis Garcia hit a two-run homer to reverse the game. Then in the bottom of the fourth inning, also after two outs, Sasaki allowed consecutive hits, letting the Nationals extend their lead. Facing a scoring opportunity crisis, he couldn't hold on, and James Wood blasted a three-run homer, widening the score to 6-1, leading to Sasaki's removal from the game. In this outing, he pitched 5 innings, threw 90 pitches, allowed 5 hits, issued 3 walks, struck out 5 batters, and gave up 6 runs, revealing issues with insufficient stamina.

US media outlet Dodgers Nation also published an article noting that Roki Sasaki has proven he can handle a bullpen role. With his starting performance unsatisfactory and pitchers like Blake Snell soon returning, the Dodgers may adjust Sasaki's role in the future.