When Shohei Ohtani first stepped onto an MLB mound in 2018, some scouts doubted if he could truly dominate at the highest level. His first two spring training starts? A disaster—ERA over 27.00, control issues, and questions about his transition. Fast forward to today, and Ohtani is a two-time MVP and one of the most electrifying players in baseball. Similarly for Roki Saki’s highly anticipated debut fans came to witness dominance, but they got something even better—a moment of raw humanity. As Trey Sweeney and Manuel Margot cashed in on his early struggles, Sasaki’s command wavered, but his heart never did. In the end, the fans embraced him—not for perfection, but for passion.

The Japanese phenom, Roki Sasaki is now being criticized for his after pitching just 2 games in the MLB. This criticism is not from the Dodger fans as they fully back him, and after they saw him almost in tears, the fans are ready to go to war for him. In his recent outing against the Detroit Tigers, he was not able to control the mound and was replaced with Jack Dreyer. As he walked back to the dugout, disappointment was written all over his face. He was on the verge of bursting into tears.

After watching this, a Dodger fan named Jacob Brownson came out and supported Sasaki with a full heart. He wrote, “People will clown this, but I just see a man who really wants to be great. It has to feel lonely on that mound when you’re not pitching well in a brand-new country with high expectations. He’ll figure it out.”

Against the Tigers, Roki Sasaki pitched only 1.2 innings where he earned 2 runs and walked 4 batters. This was compared to the start he had against the Cubs in the Tokyo Series where he struggled to get control of his pitches.

But everybody knew that he was a raw talent and would have to be molded into a great player. This is what really surprised fans as many people started rating him low. But the Los Angeles Dodgers fans have not held back and have shown full support for the 23-year-old.

Fans support Teary-Eyed Roki Sasaki

While the internet often seizes upon moments of vulnerability, Roki Sasaki’s recent struggles against the Detroit Tigers elicited a different response. When the 23-year-old phenom struggled against the Detroit Tigers, some critics sharpened their knives. But Dodgers fans? They sharpened their loyalty. As Trey Sweeney and Manuel Margot capitalized on his shaky command, Sasaki’s emotions nearly got the best of him—only for the fans to turn the moment into a rallying cry. “This is going to make him one of the greatest, mark my words,” one fan declared. It wasn’t just optimism—it was belief.

Roki Sasaki’s MLB journey was never going to be an instant fairytale. The 23-year-old phenom, known for his blistering fastball and pinpoint control in Japan, faced his first real adversity on American soil. But the Dodgers fans were not going to stand around and let their man take it. But raw talent isn’t the issue—his fastball still hits 100+ mph, and his splitter is devastating when executed properly. Sasaki is just like any other pitchers who started as a prospect, young and raw who needs to be shaped into the next top pitcher. “I know he tried his absolute best,” another fan wrote. “It’s sad to see him not pitching well, but he’ll do great next time. I wish I could give him a huge hug.”

While the critics were busy judging him after just 2 games, the Dodgers faithful saw something that they know will become great one day. “He’s young, and the nerves will calm. He’s only going to get better. True Dodger fans got your back, Roki,” one supporter wrote.

Sasaki’s struggles aren’t unprecedented. Even some of the greatest MLB pitchers had rocky beginnings. Clayton Kershaw, a future Hall of Famer, posted a 4.26 ERA in his rookie season. Shohei Ohtani, another Japanese star, had a 3.31 ERA in his first MLB season but still had inconsistencies on the mound. Adjusting to a new league, a different ball, and a new pitching schedule takes time. “It’s just 2 starts—he’s got a golden arm. He will figure it out and be dominant,” another fan reassured.

Moreover, pitching in the U.S. comes with a learning curve. Yu Darvish and Masahiro Tanaka also had their struggles transitioning from NPB, but both went on to become All-Star-level pitchers. Sasaki, at just 23, has time on his side.

And the Dodgers fans refuse to give up on him. They see the fire and the potential he possesses and will go against the world if they have to in order to protect Sasaki from all the negative comments. One fan voiced their confidence in Sasaki’s ability to bounce back, saying, “He’s young, and the nerves will calm. He’s only going to get better. True Dodger fans got your back, Roki.”

The outing against the Tigers might have been bad, but it has given rise to something bigger – unshakable loyalty. As they saw Sasaki walk off the mound with tears in his eyes, the fans saw a pitcher who was lifting the expectation of more than just the team, and they gave him something that most pitchers have to ask for. They gave him belief. Another fan put it into perspective with an inspiring quote: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. He’s going to be fine.”

While some saw a scared and young pitcher who might not survive the MLB, the Dodgers fans saw something different. They saw a fighter who was ready to give it all to the team. At that moment of vulnerability, the fans stood with Roki Sasaki and showed him the belief that setbacks don’t define greatness, resilience does.

If instant greatness were the standard, half of baseball’s legends would have never made it past their rookie year. Sasaki was never meant to be a finished product on day one—he’s a 23-year-old with a flamethrower for an arm and a city behind him. So let the skeptics talk; the Dodgers faithful know a masterpiece takes time.