Mar 31, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) in the dugout during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

mlb

2x MLB All-Star Labels Roki Sasaki ‘Soft’ Following Tough Start

"Hope a vet pulled him aside and told him to man up"

Roki Sasaki, the highly-touted rookie pitcher of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been in the spotlight ever since his signing with the defending champions. However, his first start at home against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday has ignited a firestorm of criticism, most notably from retired MLB catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who took to social media to call out the young pitcher for showing emotion following his struggles on the mound.

Sasaki, who made his MLB debut against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, has faced a rocky start to his MLB career. In his most recent outing, he allowed four walks in just 1.2 innings, contributing to a disappointing 5.79 ERA across his first two games. His performance, particularly his inability to find control, left many questioning his readiness for the pressures of big league baseball. However, it wasn’t just the lack of control that had people talking about him. After being pulled from the game, Sasaki was visibly emotional in the Dodgers’ dugout. Cameras caught him seemingly struggling to hold back tears, a moment that caught the attention of both fans and former players alike.

What did Jonathan Lucroy say about Roki Sasaki?

Lucroy, who spent over a decade behind the plate in the majors, wasted no time in airing his thoughts. In a post on X, Lucroy wrote, “He’s soft. I’ve seen it before. The only thing that will help him is to fail. Massively. He will either peter out, or transform into a hardened warrior. That will be his choice. Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time situations.” The comment sparked immediate controversy, with many finding the harsh critique of Sasaki’s emotional response unwarranted.

He’s soft. I’ve seen it before.

Only thing that will help him is to fail. Massively.

He will either peter out, or, transform into a hardened warrior.

That will be his choice.

Big time players make big time plays in big time situations. https://t.co/3X7zPYRS44
— Jonathan Lucroy (@JLucroy20) March 31, 2025

Lucroy didn’t stop there, doubling down in a follow-up post where he continued to criticize Sasaki’s character and demeanor. “Hope a vet pulled him aside and told him to man up. No one has time for a kid crying on national TV in one of the biggest sports markets in the world. You don’t like it? Then play better next time. He should be pissed and ready to go bury someone vs whatever this is,” Lucroy added.

ALSO READ: Roki Sasaki’s Emotional Dodgers Debut Ends in Tears, But He’s Exactly Where He Needs to Be

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts offered a more measured response, acknowledging Sasaki’s frustration, and admitting that failure is something Roki Sasaki has rarely ever seen. He’s a young pitcher from the NPB, who’s been absolutely spectacular out in the NPB – A two-time NPB All-Star, the youngest pitcher to throw a perfect game in league history.

“All he’s known is success,” Roberts said. “So I think he’s certainly upset, disappointed. But you’ve got to be a pro and get back to work. It’s not the first time that a starting pitcher has had two bad outings. This is all part of the learning curve, and we still got a good ballclub, and we’re going to need him.”

I’m glad someone said this.
— Josh Reddick (@JRedDubDeuce) March 31, 2025

Former MLB outfielder Josh Reddick also chimed in with support for Lucroy’s stance, writing, “I’m glad someone said this.” But the comments of the former MLB players touches on a larger question about how emotions are viewed in the world of sports.

The pressure on athletes to maintain a stoic, “tough” exterior is often overwhelming, especially when they’re under the spotlight. But why do we insist on treating sports as if they must be emotionless? After all, sports are inherently emotional, a place where passion, frustration, joy, and disappointment are part of the game. So, why is it that showing vulnerability or emotion is often seen as a weakness rather than a normal part of the human experience?

ALSO READ: Freddie Freeman Injury: What Happened to Freddie Freeman?

In a world where athletes are held to the highest standards, it’s worth asking why we expect them to “man up” and suppress feelings that anyone else would express in challenging moments. Emotions are natural, and they don’t diminish a player’s ability to perform. In fact, embracing and understanding these emotions can be key to growth and success, both personally and professionally. Why should a player, especially a young, 23-year-old Roki Sasaki, be criticized for showing the very feelings that make him human? Sports should be a place for authenticity, not a pressure cooker where emotions are locked away.

Dodgers

Roki Sasaki

Mohsin Baldiwala

mlb

Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.