A body language expert has claimed that Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki appeared distressed during the team's visit to the White House on Thursday to celebrate their World Series victory. The ceremony took place in the Rose Garden, where the team presented President Donald Trump with a custom Dodgers jersey.
According to body language expert Inbaal Honigman, Sasaki exhibited signs of discomfort, including wiping his face multiple times, which she interpreted as a sign of mental fatigue. Honigman also noted that Sasaki's eyes appeared to dart from side to side, suggesting he was "searching for an escape route," and that his lips were pressed together, indicating disapproval. The expert stated that the pitcher's "distressed expression never leaves his face," and that he swayed "seemingly soothing himself," giving the impression he did not want to be there.
Despite Sasaki's reported unease, he was present at the event along with many of his teammates. Some notable players were absent, including Mookie Betts, who opted to skip the visit to spend time with his family, and Kike Hernandez, who was on the injured list and not traveling with the team.
During the ceremony, President Trump commented on the newly renovated Rose Garden and made a reference to a past bet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Honigman analyzed Trump's demeanor during these remarks, stating he appeared proud when discussing the wager. The expert also suggested Trump was trying to project a more focused and responsible persona than in his first term.
Dodgers leadership was also divided on attending. Owner Mark Walter, team president Stan Kasten, and executive vice president Lon Rosen accompanied the players, while president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Brandon Gomes remained behind to focus on roster strategy. Prior to the main event, manager Dave Roberts and players Miguel Rojas and Will Klein visited the Capitol building to meet with lawmakers.
The Dodgers traveled to Washington D.C. on Wednesday night following a series against the Philadelphia Phillies and were scheduled to travel to New York for a game against the Mets.