The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing one of the most important development decisions of the season as Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki officially implements a major mechanical change to his pitching technique to address his persistent ball control issues throughout the season.

According to numerous internal team sources and technical analyses circulating in the MLB community, Sasaki has shortened his wind-up motion and significantly reduced unnecessary movements during his pitch preparation – a seemingly small adjustment that could determine his future in MLB.

What’s happening isn’t just a simple technical adjustment. It’s a gamble.

Throughout the season, Sasaki’s biggest problem hasn’t been his speed – but his command (comprehension when shooting). While his fastball still boasts impressive speed, his constant loss of control has cost him dearly, resulting in collapsing innings and increased walk counts.

The turning point came in the game against the San Francisco Giants, where pitching experts like Pitching Ninja and former pitcher and commentator Orel Hershiser noticed a clear change: Sasaki had begun eliminating unnecessary upper body movements, resulting in greater stability upon landing and releasing the ball.

According to technical analysis cited by Dodgers Nation, simplifying the motion helped Sasaki:

Maintain a more stable body axis when striding down the mound
Reduce the misalignment of the supporting leg
Increase the repeatability of the fastball throw
Improve the accuracy of the throw into the zone

In other words: instead of “throwing harder,” Sasaki was trying to “throw more accurately.”

When the Dodgers signed Sasaki, they didn’t just acquire a young pitcher. They acquired a Japanese baseball phenomenon once considered a potential candidate for the Cy Young award.

But the reality of MLB is much harsher.

Throughout the early part of the season, Sasaki consistently struggled with issues:

High walk
Explosive innings
Losing pitching rhythm between batters
Inconsistency despite good velocity

At one point, his ERA exceeded 5.00, clearly reflecting his instability in game control.

Internal reports even questioned whether he needed to return to a lower development environment to rebuild his mechanics.

What kept the Dodgers patient was a core belief: Sasaki wasn’t “stuff-ridden,” but rather had a flaw in his ability to repeat mechanics under MLB pressure.

One Dodgers coach reportedly emphasized:

“If he can repeat the same movement 100 times, he’ll be an ace.”

Therefore, the current changes aren’t aimed at “fixing the entire pitcher,” but at eliminating the disruptive elements in his movement.

However, every major change comes with risks.

Sasaki is known for his versatile pitching style, especially his splitter and forkball with unpredictable trajectories. Shortening the motion could give him better control, but it also carries risks:

Reduced pitch deception
Impacted release feel
Changing pitch mix timing

Some experts even warn that “oversimplification” could turn Sasaki into a more consistent… but less dangerous pitcher.

While it’s still early, the initial signs are quite positive:

Fewer walks in recent outings
More fastball zone
Possibly deeper into the game
Fewer disastrous innings than before

Most importantly, Sasaki seems to be starting to control the pace of the game better, something he completely lost in the early part of the season.

The biggest question right now isn’t whether Sasaki is talented or not – but rather:

Will this change be enough to make him a consistent starter in MLB?

The Dodgers believe the answer is “yes,” but it will require time, patience, and a willingness to take risks from the young player himself.

One thing is certain: each subsequent pitch from Roki Sasaki is not just a pitch.

It’s a test.

A career test.

And possibly, a complete redefinition of one of the world’s most promising pitching prospects.

Roki Sasaki is standing on the line between a “small adjustment” and a “big turning point.” The Dodgers have chosen to bet on simplicity. The rest – as always in baseball – will be decided by the pitch.