Dodgers Fans Baffled: Is Roki Sasaki ‘Cursed by Shohei Ohtani’? The Endless Injury Saga Sparks Wild Theories

A Rising Star’s Rocky Start

When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki, expectations soared. Touted as the next great MLB pitcher, Sasaki arrived with a blazing fastball and dreams of dominating American hitters. But as injuries continue to sideline him, fans are growing restless—and superstitions are taking over.

After yet another minor setback, whispers have turned into shouts: “Is Roki Sasaki cursed?” And stranger yet, some point fingers at none other than Shohei Ohtani.

The ‘Ohtani Curse’ Theory Gains Traction

At first, it sounded like a joke. But Dodgers fans on social media have been connecting the dots in bizarre ways. The theory? Ever since Sasaki joined the Dodgers—the same team now home to Ohtani—he’s been plagued by misfortune. From nagging arm soreness to mysterious back tightness, Sasaki has yet to enjoy a healthy stretch.

One viral post joked: “Did Shohei accidentally pass the injury bug to Roki? Or is this some weird baseball karma thing?”
Another fan quipped: “First the Angels’ curse followed Ohtani, now the Ohtani curse is following Sasaki. Somebody get the sage and cleanse Dodger Stadium.”

Superstition vs. Reality: What’s Actually Happening?

While the idea of a “curse” is entertaining, the truth is more grounded. Sasaki’s pitching style—high velocity, high torque—naturally puts stress on his arm. Transitioning from Japan’s NPB to MLB’s grueling schedule is no easy feat. Dodgers medical staff have been cautious, not wanting to rush their prized acquisition.

Team insiders emphasize that Sasaki’s issues are precautionary more than catastrophic. “Roki’s dealing with normal adjustments. It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” said one team doctor.

Still, fans can’t ignore the timing. With Ohtani rehabbing from his own injuries, the “shared curse” narrative writes itself.

Dodgers Fans in Limbo

Frustration is mounting. The Dodgers are in the midst of a highly competitive season, and the absence of Sasaki’s electric arm has left fans wondering “what if.”
The irony? This was supposed to be a dream pairing—Ohtani leading the offense, Sasaki anchoring the rotation. Instead, both superstars have found themselves more in rehab rooms than highlight reels.

A popular Dodgers forum post summed it up: “We didn’t expect two of Japan’s best to be competing for most hours spent on the IL. Is this what we signed up for?”

Will Sasaki Break the Spell?

Despite the jokes and the frustration, optimism remains. Sasaki has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy, and the Dodgers are committed to easing him into his role properly. The team’s long-term vision hasn’t changed.

Manager Dave Roberts addressed the chatter bluntly: “Roki’s a special talent. These things take time. If people want to call it a curse, let them. We’re focused on getting him right.”

Conclusion: Curse or Coincidence?

For now, the “Ohtani Curse” remains a fun (and slightly desperate) fan theory. But in baseball, where superstitions are sacred and timing is everything, it’s no surprise that fans are leaning into the drama.

One thing’s for sure: when Roki Sasaki finally takes the mound at full strength, all the talk of curses will disappear beneath the roar of a 102-mph fastball.

Until then, the memes will continue, and Dodger fans will keep asking the question: “Is Roki Sasaki cursed, or is this just baseball being baseball?”