Roki Sasaki, Dodgers Pitcher: Non-Celebrity Wife, Lost Father At 9, NPB To Japan's Next Star In MLB

Roki Sasaki signed for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025, but his rookie season in the MLB has been nothing less than a rollercoaster ride so far. The 23-year-old Japanese professional baseball pitcher made his debut for the Dodgers on March 19, 2025, against the Chicago Cubs in the MLB Tokyo series. Sasaki's Dodger Stadium debut in the MLB was against the Detroit Tigers.

Roki Sasaki's 2025 MLB rookie journey: Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching prospect overcomes injury, reinvents as star reliever

During the initial months of his rookie season in the MLB, Roki Sasaki had struggled with control issues, delivered inconsistent performances, faced shoulder impingement after eight starts, remained injured for months, and was even sent to fix his mechanics. Upon his return in September 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers decided to move Riko Sasaki to the bullpen. Although it was a strategic move by the coaching staff, it was complex because he had to adjust to the new pitching routine to perform the unfamiliar role of a reliever.

However, to everyone's surprise, the New York Dodgers' strategic move paid off as Roki Sasaki thrived in his new position. After being moved to the bullpen as a reliever, his season has taken a dramatic turn, and Sasaki's velocity has returned. The Japanese professional broke headlines with his sensational performance in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies. Sasaki threw three perfect innings of relief, retiring all nine Phillies batters that he faced.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Roki Sasaki dominates Phillies: Japanese pitcher's heroic relief seals NLCS berth

Despite being in a pressure playoff, Roki Sasaki helped the Dodgers hold the game into extra innings and eventually won by a walk-off error in the 11th to advance in the NLCS. From news headlines to social media handles, Sasaki has been receiving a lot of love and appreciation from the Dodgers fandom for his decisive performance under severe pressure. With his high-velocity fastball, he has reminded everyone why Japanese people gave him the title "The Monster of Reiwa Era" in the NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball).

Roki Sasaki's inspirational struggle story: Lost his father and grandparents in the 2011 Tsunami, chose baseball as a coping mechanism

Roki Sasaki was born on November 3, 2001, in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. His parents named him after the iconic villain, "Rouki" from the famous Super Sentai show, Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger. He was in third grade during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. In the disaster, Sasaki lost his home, and his father and grandparents lost their lives. His mother and two brothers lived in a nursing home during the disaster and its aftermath. Later on, the family moved to Ofunato, where he continued his schooling at the Ofunato High School.

To cope with the loss of his father and grandparents, Roki Sasaki decided to divert his mind from the tragic reality of his life. After trying various activities to divert his mind, he took up baseball and, luckily, found solace in it. Soon, it became Sasaki's coping mechanism. Despite leaving their hometown, Rikuzentakata, he and his mother were still connected to the place. Sasaki was a bright kid, which is why he was hailed as a hope and example for other children in Rikuzentakata, who were struggling to cope with the loss they suffered in the disaster.

From NPB phenom to MLB Star: Roki Sasaki broke Shohei Ohtani's record before joining the Los Angeles Dodgers

Roki Sasaki broke his Los Angeles Dodgers teammate, Shohei Ohtani's high school fastball velocity record and went on to play for Chiba Lotte Marines in the Nippon Professional Baseball from 2019 to 2021. During his time with the Marines, Sasaki pitched a perfect game on April 10, 2022, was inducted into the NPB All-Star in 2022 and 2023, and won the Chiba City Special Award "New Era Hometown Impressive Award". Finally, on January 22, 2025, he signed a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and entered the MLB.

Roki Sasaki's secret marriage: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher weds non-celebrity wife in a private ceremony

Talking about Roki Sasaki's love life, he has always been extremely private and shy about it. The Japanese professional never spoke about love and dating, as he was highly focused on his dream of becoming a baseball professional right from an early age. Just as people began discussing his relationship status, Sasaki announced his marriage on February 21, 2025, through an Instagram post. He kept his marriage so intimate and secret that even his Dodgers teammate, Dave Roberts, was left in surprise. Sharing a picture featuring two caps of the LA Dodgers, he penned a note that could be read as:

"Thank you for your continued support. The other day, I entered into the family with a common woman. A fresh start in public and private sectors and I'm filled with expectations and anxiety, We will work hard as a couple, so please keep a warm eye on us."

Talking about the identity of Roki Sasaki's wife, there's no information available about her in the public domain. The only thing we know is that she's not a celebrity or influencer but an ordinary citizen. The MLB fandom has lauded Sasaki for keeping his personal life private despite becoming a rising Japanese star in the league. However, everyone is eager and hopes Sasaki shares his wedding pictures on his Instagram handle someday.

What are your thoughts on the Los Angeles Dodgers' man of the moment, Roki Sasaki's inspirational journey from personal tragedy to the next big Japanese star in the MLB? Let us know.

Also Read: Meet Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani's Wife, Mamiko Tanaka, She Is A Former Basketball Player

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Get App

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Choose your device Android or IOS (Apple)