Roki Sasaki's Splitter Emerges as Key Weapon in Dodgers' Victory Over Cubs Roki Sasaki made a significant stride in his Major League Baseball (MLB) development during the Dodgers' 12-4 victory over the Cubs on Saturday, showcasing a revamped splitter that became his most frequently used pitch. The 23-year-old Japanese star, who has long been lauded for his potential, faced challenges in his rookie season due to inconsistencies with his fastball, which limited his ability to effectively complement his splitter. This year, however, Sasaki has embraced adjustments to his arsenal, with his splitter proving instrumental in the game. The splitter, a pitch Sasaki has called his "signature offering," was thrown 48 times during the start, the highest usage of any pitch in his MLB career this season. This marked a notable shift from his previous season, when the splitter accounted for only half of his pitches on May 9, 2023. The pitch’s effectiveness was underscored by its improved velocity and spin rate. Sasaki averaged 90.8 mph with the splitter, a 5.8 mph increase from his season average, and his spin rate reached 991 rpm, significantly higher than his typical 574 rpm. These metrics align with his performance during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where his splitter averaged 91 mph and around 1,100 rpm. Manager Dave Roberts highlighted the splitter’s evolution, noting that it now "tunnels more like the fastball," a characteristic that could lead to more swing-and-miss outcomes. Despite allowing four runs, including three solo home runs, Sasaki pitched into the sixth inning for the first time this season, demonstrating improved durability. His ability to command the splitter early in counts also stood out, as he secured a first-pitch strike in nine of 10 instances.#dave_roberts #dodgers #cubs #roki_sasaki #splitter
