Inside the Dodgers’ seven-year pursuit of Rōki Sasaki, their foothold in Japan and the battle for MLB's next potential pitching star.

Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Roki Sasaki faced opposing hitters for the first time in his Major League Baseball career Tuesday in a sim game.

It was Shohei Ohtani at 10:30 in the morning, pitching his fourth bullpen session since joining the Dodgers, showing why optimism is rampant in camp that he’ll be dominating on the mound in May. He looks like he could be ready by opening day instead of two months into the season the way he has thrown. Has he surprised the Dodgers?

Sasaki, who has been one of the most intriguing ... season hitting more than 20% above league average — and is one of MLB's best defenders at his position. Possible fits: Astros, D-backs ...

Sasaki, 23, agreed to a deal with the Dodgers in January with a signing bonus reportedly worth $6.5 million. He pitched for Japan's Chiba Lotte Marines in 2024, posting a 2.35 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and recording 129 strikeouts in 111 innings pitched.

The Boston Red Sox have arguably the best prospect in baseball and we may not have to wait too long to see him playing at Fenway Park. Roman Anthony is just 20