Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Roki Sasaki, who has made a successful transition from starting pitcher to relief pitcher, shared the interesting story behind his walk-out song, “Bailalo Rocky.” As the upbeat track fills Dodger Stadium while he takes the mound, Sasaki revealed that the song was actually suggested by his teammate Miguel Rojas, not chosen by him. “I’m really happy the fans are enjoying it,” he added.
After facing challenges in his early Major League Baseball (MLB) career, where he posted a 4.72 ERA in his first eight starts, Sasaki’s fortunes have changed since moving to the bullpen. Following a shoulder impingement that kept him off the field for over four months, he initially struggled to regain his velocity during his rehabilitation stint in Triple-A. However, he astonished everyone by increasing his velocity by over 4 mph just before the postseason.
This resurgence caught the attention of manager Dave Roberts, who quickly recognized Sasaki’s potential, allowing him to pitch in relief during the postseason after seeing him deliver two scoreless innings during the regular season. So far, Sasaki has excelled on the big stage, boasting an impressive 1.13 ERA across eight innings. He has also secured his first three career saves, notably closing out games against the Philadelphia Phillies and during the National League Championship Series (NLCS).
Sasaki’s performance at Dodger Stadium had been rocky earlier in the season, with six earned runs over three starts. He noted that the atmosphere of the World Series and the fanfare surrounding his walk-out song might be the key to turning his luck around. “Now that I’m getting results as a reliever, the view from the mound looks completely different,” he stated.
As the Dodgers aim for success in the postseason, the energy from both fans and the team’s camaraderie continues to inspire Sasaki in his newfound role, making it an exciting time for the young pitcher and Dodgers supporters alike.