Roki Sasaki Joins Dodgers: Analyzing His Unique Pitching Form
Strengths and concerns of his pitching style, which he throws down from a very high altitude
A motion analysis expert’s view of 192cm’s unique form
“He utilizes his height to release the ball from a significantly higher point than usual. Like a volleyball spike, he snaps his wrist to deliver sharp, angled pitches that hit the lower zone with precision. It’s a unique pitching style that showcases his natural talent—something other pitchers can’t easily imitate.”
These are the words of Takashi Kawamura, a motion analysis expert and professor at the University of Tsukuba’s School of Health and Physical Education. Kawamura is particularly impressed by Rōki Sasaki (23), who is making the move from the Chiba Lotte Marines to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Due to a connection with Sasaki’s former high school coach at Ofunato High School (Iwate Prefecture)—a former student of Kawamura—he had the opportunity to personally coach Sasaki.
“With gratitude to everyone, I look forward to wearing the Dodgers uniform.”
Sasaki posted this message on his Instagram, announcing his agreement with the Dodgers on January 18 (Japan time). Due to special MLB rules for foreign players under 25, he signed a $6.5 million (approx. ¥1.01 billion) minor league contract, aiming for early promotion to the majors. Now, let’s analyze Sasaki’s pitching mechanics with insights from Professor Kawamura, using a series of sequential photos. (The following comments are from Kawamura.)
