Former Padres Player Presents Evidence Accusing Roki Sasaki of Cheating in Dodger Home Debut

In a stunning twist to Roki Sasaki’s highly anticipated MLB journey, a former San Diego Padres player has come forward with what he claims is evidence of cheating during the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher’s home debut at Dodger Stadium. The accusation, surfacing on April 5, 2025, has ignited a firestorm of debate across the baseball world, casting a shadow over Sasaki’s transition from Japanese phenom to MLB rookie. As fans and analysts dissect the claims, the question looms: could this evidence derail the 23-year-old’s promising career with the defending World Series champions?

Roki Sasaki’s Rocky Start in Los Angeles

Roki Sasaki, dubbed “The Monster of the Reiwa Era,” arrived in Los Angeles with sky-high expectations. After dominating Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) with the Chiba Lotte Marines—where he threw a perfect game in 2022 and routinely hit 100 mph—the Dodgers won the offseason sweepstakes to sign him in January 2025. His $6.5 million signing bonus, constrained by MLB’s international amateur rules, was a bargain for a pitcher of his caliber. Yet, his first two MLB starts have been anything but smooth.

Sasaki’s Dodger Stadium debut on March 29, 2025, against the Detroit Tigers was a disaster. The right-hander lasted just 1.2 innings, surrendering two runs on three hits, walking four batters, and throwing 61 pitches—only 32 for strikes. His vaunted splitter, a pitch that baffled NPB hitters, failed to find the zone, and his fastball topped out at 96.1 mph, well below the triple-digit heat he showcased in Japan. Visibly emotional, Sasaki left the mound with tears in his eyes, a moment captured by Japanese broadcasts that tugged at fans’ heartstrings. But now, a former Padres player alleges there’s more to the story—and it’s not just nerves.

The Accusation: Evidence of Cheating

Eric Hosmer, a 13-year MLB veteran who spent parts of five seasons with the Padres before retiring in 2023, dropped a bombshell on social media on March 30, 2025. Watching Sasaki’s abbreviated outing, Hosmer posted on X: “Hand is obviously sticky! Seems like Roki is having a tough time blending his tang to get the right grip on these MLB ⚾️s.” The initial comment raised eyebrows, but Hosmer doubled down days later, claiming on April 5, 2025, to have evidence supporting his accusation. In a follow-up video posted to X, Hosmer pointed to slow-motion footage of Sasaki rubbing his hands before pitches, alleging it showed signs of a foreign substance—potentially violating MLB’s strict “sticky stuff” rules.

Hosmer, a four-time Gold Glove winner and 2015 World Series champion with the Kansas City Royals, isn’t just any critic. His tenure with the Padres, a fierce Dodgers rival, adds a layer of intrigue to his claims. “I’ve seen pitchers adjust to MLB baseballs before,” Hosmer said in the video. “This isn’t just a grip issue—it’s too deliberate. Look at how he’s working his fingers. That’s not sweat or rosin.” The footage, while not conclusive to the untrained eye, has sparked heated discussion, with some fans backing Hosmer’s analysis and others dismissing it as sour grapes from a Padres alum.

MLB’s Sticky Stuff Crackdown: Context Matters

Since MLB tightened its foreign substance regulations in 2021, pitchers caught using illegal grip enhancers—like pine tar or custom blends—face a 10-game suspension. Umpires routinely check hands, gloves, and hats during games, and Sasaki was inspected as he left the mound against the Tigers. The umpires found no violations, clearing him on the spot. Hosmer, however, scoffed at the process in a follow-up X post: “Yeah cause we all know those wipe downs are legit.” His skepticism echoes a broader sentiment among some players and fans that enforcement remains inconsistent.

If Hosmer’s evidence holds weight, it could trigger an MLB investigation. Sasaki’s struggles—nine walks in 4.2 innings across his first two starts—don’t exactly scream “cheating advantage,” but Hosmer argues the substance might explain his erratic command. “He’s used to dominating with extra grip in Japan,” Hosmer speculated. “Now he’s trying to figure it out without it, and it’s showing.”

Dodgers and Sasaki Respond

The Dodgers, off to a 5-0 start in their title defense, have stood by their rookie. Manager Dave Roberts addressed the accusation on April 5, 2025, calling it “disappointing but not surprising.” “Roki’s a pro—he’s adjusting to a new league, new baseballs, new everything,” Roberts said. “To throw cheating out there without hard proof is unfair. The umpires checked him. He’s clean.” Sasaki, through interpreter Will Ireton, added: “I didn’t have my best stuff, but I’m not cheating. I’m working every day to get better.”

Teammates have rallied around Sasaki too. Catcher Will Smith, who caught the rocky debut, dismissed the claims. “He’s got electric stuff—sometimes it takes time to harness it here. There’s no sticky stuff. That’s ridiculous.” The Dodgers’ depth—bolstered by stars like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Blake Snell—means they can afford patience with Sasaki, but the controversy threatens to overshadow his development.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

The baseball world is split. On X, Dodgers fans have slammed Hosmer, with one writing, “Eric’s just mad the Padres lost the Sasaki sweepstakes.” The Padres were among the final three teams vying for Sasaki, alongside the Toronto Blue Jays, before he chose L.A. Others, however, see merit in Hosmer’s breakdown. “The hand motion does look fishy,” an X user posted. “Maybe he’s not used to MLB’s slicker balls and tried something.”

Analysts are more cautious. ESPN’s Jeff Passan noted, “Hosmer’s video isn’t definitive—it’s suggestive at best. MLB would need more to act.” Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal pointed out Sasaki’s pristine NPB record: “He’s never been accused of this before. Why start now when he’s struggling?”

SEO Keywords and Broader Implications

For those searching “Roki Sasaki cheating allegations,” “Dodgers pitcher controversy,” or “Eric Hosmer evidence,” this story is a hot topic. The Padres-Dodgers rivalry adds fuel, with terms like “Padres accuse Dodgers” likely trending. If MLB investigates and finds wrongdoing, Sasaki could face a suspension, denting his reputation and the Dodgers’ rotation plans. Even without formal action, the accusation could linger, pressuring Sasaki as he prepares for his next start against the Philadelphia Phillies on April 11, 2025.

What’s Next for Sasaki?

Sasaki’s transition to MLB was never going to be seamless. The jump from NPB to the majors—different baseballs, tighter pitch clocks, and bigger stages—challenges even the best. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Sasaki’s Dodgers teammate, struggled early in 2024 before finding his groove and helping L.A. win the World Series. Sasaki, with his 102.5 mph fastball and wipeout splitter, has the tools to follow suit—if he can weather this storm.

Hosmer’s evidence, while compelling to some, lacks the smoking gun needed to convict Sasaki in the court of public opinion, let alone MLB’s offices. For now, it’s a bold claim from a Padres legend that’s stirred the pot in an already intense NL West rivalry. As Sasaki works to refine his command, the baseball world watches: will he silence the doubters with dominance, or will this accusation mark the start of a turbulent MLB career?

Conclusion: A Phenom Under Fire

Roki Sasaki’s Dodger Stadium debut was supposed to be a celebration of his arrival. Instead, it’s become a flashpoint, with Eric Hosmer’s evidence thrusting the rookie into an unwanted spotlight. Whether it’s a baseless jab or a legitimate concern, one thing is clear: Sasaki’s journey in Los Angeles just got a lot more complicated. As the Dodgers chase another title, their young ace must prove he can rise above the noise—cheating or not.