Roki Sasaki Advances in His Recovery and Could Return to the Game
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki has taken a significant step in his recovery. The young Japanese player pitched a three-inning simulated game on Friday, marking a milestone on his road back to the diamond. Sasaki, who has been on the injured list since mid-May due to an irritation in his right shoulder, showed significant progress during the simulated game. The talented player made 46 pitches, reaching a speed of up to 97 mph at times. He faced outfielder Alex Call and some minor league players.Manager Roberts highlighted that Sasaki has gained weight thanks to working with the team’s strength and conditioning coach. “He’s stronger. The release wasn’t as forced with the shoulder. It was a little cleaner,” Roberts added. Roberts hasn’t decided yet if the next step for Sasaki will be a rehabilitation assignment or another simulated game. “I was still searching, asking the pitching coaches some things, and that’s what people do. Waiting for him to get to a point where he feels really comfortable and confident in his pitching and where he is, so he can attack the hitters, that’s his focus. We haven’t gotten there yet,” explained the manager. Sasaki came to the Major Leagues as one of the most promising pitchers in recent years, but struggled in his first eight starts before getting injured.“He achieved what he needed,” manager Dave Roberts commented.
Dave Roberts
