Los Angeles Dodgers pitching prospect Roki sasaki garnered praise from veteran David Price, who sees parallels between Sasaki’s recent success and his own early career experiences.
Price, a former Cy Young Award winner, highlighted the importance of postseason experience in developing young players, noting Sasaki’s crucial role in the Dodgers’ championship run.
The Dodgers secured back-to-back World Series titles-a franchise frist-with Sasaki contributing key relief appearances.
Price’s insights offer a unique outlook on Sasaki’s potential as he transitions back into a starting role next season.
Roki Sasaki. (File Photo)
Former Cy Young Award winner David Price, who also pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers, recently shared his observations about Dodgers pitching sensation Roki Sasaki, drawing parallels to his own early career.
Sasaki’s rookie season mirrored Price’s in some ways. This season, Sasaki posted a 1-1 record with a 4.46 ERA in 10 appearances before transitioning to a relief role late in the year. He quickly became a crucial bullpen arm during the postseason, recording 2 holds and 3 saves with a stellar 0.84 ERA, helping the Dodgers secure back-to-back World Series titles for the first time in franchise history. He is slated to return to the starting rotation next season.
Reflecting on his own first year in the majors, Price stated, “I would have done anything to be on the roster and pitch in the postseason.” He emphasized the importance of postseason experience for young players, adding, “Being in the clubhouse, being out there with the guys, getting a few key outs… Sasaki got to do all of that.”
Price believes this experience will be a significant boost to Sasaki’s confidence. “I think it’s going to be huge for him,” Price said. “Because I know he was frustrated earlier in the season, not getting the results he wanted. But he bounced back, found something in the minor leagues and came back healthy. Then to get some of the biggest and most crucial outs for the Dodgers in the postseason, that’s going to mean a lot to him.”
In his rookie campaign, Price made one start and four relief appearances, posting a 1.59 ERA with one win and one save in five postseason games, helping the Tampa Bay Rays reach the World Series. He transitioned back to a starting role the following year, compiling a 157-82 record with a 3.32 ERA over 400 career appearances (322 starts) and winning the Cy Young Award in 2012. He finished his career with two seasons pitching for the Dodgers.
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