BREAKING NEWS: Manny Ramirez Doesn’t Want Rōki Sasaki to Stay with the Los Angeles Dodgers: “The Dodgers Shouldn’t Let Rōki Sasaki Play Anymore, He’s Not…”

Los Angeles, CA – In an unexpected and fiery outburst, former Dodgers superstar Manny Ramirez has taken a bold stance against Japanese pitching sensation Rōki Sasaki, claiming that the young phenom doesn’t “fit” the Los Angeles Dodgers — a statement that has sparked immediate backlash and ignited a major debate within the baseball world.

Appearing on a Dominican sports podcast earlier this week, Ramirez — who played for the Dodgers from 2008 to 2010 and remains one of the most controversial figures in franchise history — did not hold back when asked about the current state of the team.

“The Dodgers shouldn’t let Rōki Sasaki play anymore,” Ramirez said bluntly. “He’s not built for this. He’s not L.A. He’s not Dodgers. This team is about fire, passion, emotion — not quiet kids from Japan who pitch like robots.”

The comments, which many have condemned as xenophobic and outdated, spread like wildfire across social media and MLB circles.

⚾ Sasaki: A Global Talent Making Waves

Rōki Sasaki, 23, joined the Los Angeles Dodgers this season in a high-profile posting from Japan’s Chiba Lotte Marines. Known for his electric 103-mph fastball and pinpoint control, Sasaki has drawn comparisons to Shohei Ohtani (his now teammate) and even Hall of Famer Pedro Martínez. In just 10 starts, he has posted a stellar 2.34 ERA with 87 strikeouts and only 12 walks, making him one of the early favorites for NL Rookie of the Year.

“He’s the future,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “Rōki brings elite ability, quiet confidence, and the kind of preparation you rarely see — anywhere.”

🔥 Ramirez Faces Major Backlash

Manny Ramirez’s criticisms were met with immediate outrage from both fans and former players.

“This isn’t just disrespectful to Sasaki,” tweeted MLB Network analyst Yonder Alonso. “It’s disrespectful to every international player who’s worked their way to MLB greatness.”

Dodgers legend Orel Hershiser also weighed in, calling Ramirez’s comments “divisive and totally off-base,” and defending Sasaki’s “discipline and calm presence under pressure.”

Even fans who once admired Manny’s time in L.A. have expressed disappointment:

“He brought energy back to Dodger Stadium in 2008, but this is not it,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “Baseball is global now. Manny needs to evolve or be quiet.”

🧢 A Pattern of Behavior?

Ramirez has long been known for his outspoken — and often unpredictable — opinions. During his time with the Dodgers, he was both beloved and criticized for his eccentric personality and off-field distractions. He was also suspended in 2009 for violating the league’s drug policy.

Now retired, Ramirez has tried to rehabilitate his public image in recent years, including coaching stints and occasional media appearances. But this latest remark may reverse much of that progress.

“Manny has a habit of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time,” said baseball historian Rachel Lugo. “Unfortunately, this time he’s attacking someone who’s done absolutely nothing wrong.”

💬 Sasaki’s Response: Class and Composure

Despite the media storm, Rōki Sasaki maintained his composure in a brief postgame interview.

“I have great respect for Mr. Ramirez and what he accomplished,” Sasaki said through a translator. “I will continue to focus on improving and helping the Dodgers win.”

Sasaki’s maturity at just 23 impressed both teammates and fans — and stood in stark contrast to Ramirez’s inflammatory tone.

🏟️ Dodgers Management Reacts

While the Dodgers organization declined to directly address Ramirez’s statement, sources inside the clubhouse indicate that the team fully supports Sasaki.

“He’s earned his spot,” one Dodgers coach told ESPN. “And he’s going to be here for a long time.”

Team executives have also reportedly reached out to Sasaki privately to reinforce their confidence in his role as a franchise cornerstone.

🌎 The Bigger Picture: Baseball’s Global Future

Ramirez’s comments have reignited the conversation about inclusion and diversity in Major League Baseball. With stars like Shohei Ohtani, Rōki Sasaki, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto excelling in the league, the future of the MLB is increasingly international — and the sport’s fan base is expanding globally.

“This is no longer just America’s game,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in a 2024 interview. “It’s the world’s game.”

And while Ramirez may not approve, the numbers — and the fans — are fully behind Rōki Sasaki.