Roki Sasaki Advances in His Recovery and Could Return Soon
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ rookie pitcher, Roki Sasaki, has taken a significant step in his recovery, participating in a three-inning simulated game this Friday. The news indicates that Sasaki could be ready to return to the field by the end of the season. Sasaki, who has been on the injured list since mid-May due to a right shoulder issue, threw a total of 46 pitches. His velocity reached 97 mph at times during the game, facing outfielder Alex Call and some minor league players.Roberts also commented that Sasaki has gained some weight thanks to working with the team’s strength and conditioning coach. “He’s physically stronger. The release didn’t look so forced on the shoulder, it was a little cleaner,” Roberts added. The manager has not yet decided whether Sasaki’s next step will be a rehabilitation assignment or another simulated game.“He accomplished what he needed,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
Sasaki came to the Major Leagues as one of the most promising pitchers of recent years, but struggled in his first eight starts before getting injured.“He’s still searching, asking pitching coaches some things, and that’s what people do,” Roberts explained. “We’re waiting for him to get to a point where he feels really comfortable and confident in his delivery and where he’s at, so he can focus on attacking hitters. We haven’t reached that point yet.”
Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
