Roki Sasaki Shares Inspiration Behind Dodgers Walk-Out Music
Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Roki Sasaki has shared insights into the inspiration behind his walk-out music, “Bailalo Rocky.” The song now resonates throughout Dodger Stadium as he enters the game. Interestingly, Sasaki did not select this catchy tune, even though it features a name that closely resembles his own.
Who Inspired the Song Choice?
Sasaki credited teammate Miguel Rojas, known as MiggyRo, with choosing the song. Sasaki expressed his delight at the fans’ positive reaction, emphasizing the importance of their support during games.
Sasaki’s Transition to Relief Pitching
After facing challenges as a starter, including a 4.72 ERA over his first eight starts, Sasaki made a successful transition to the bullpen. Following a shoulder impingement that kept him off the field for more than four months, his rehab assignments in Triple-A were initially challenging. Despite this, he managed to raise his velocity by over 4 mph in just a few starts.
Returning Strong as a Reliever
- Sasaki delivered two scoreless innings in the regular season.
- Manager Dave Roberts recognized his potential for postseason play.
- He has recorded a remarkable 1.13 ERA over eight innings in October.
- Sasaki achieved his first three career saves, including two against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Pitching Performance at Dodger Stadium
While the 2023 season was tough for Sasaki at Dodger Stadium, where he allowed six earned runs in three starts, his recent success as a reliever has altered his perspective. “I hadn’t been able to pitch well at Dodger Stadium before,” he stated. “But now that I’m getting results, the view from the mound looks completely different.”
Conclusion
Sasaki’s journey from starter struggles to becoming a reliable reliever in high-pressure situations illustrates his resilience and adaptability. The electric energy of the postseason and a memorable walk-out song may continue to fuel his performance as the Dodgers advance in the playoffs.
