Roki Sasaki Nears Return with the Dodgers
Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is progressing in his rehabilitation and is nearing his expected return to the Major Leagues with the Los Angeles Dodgers. A right shoulder injury has kept him out of action since May, but the news is encouraging. Sasaki, 23 years old, was optimistic after a recent bullpen session at Dodger Stadium, reporting to be “pain-free.” The right-hander, one of the Dodgers’ main acquisitions in the past offseason, is focused on refining his pitching mechanics.The next step for Sasaki is a simulated three-inning session this Friday, also at Dodger Stadium. If he overcomes this challenge without problems, he will begin a formal rehabilitation assignment in the minor leagues.I feel pretty good. Right now I’m just working on the mechanical part of the game.
Roki Sasaki
Roberts made it clear that the organization considers Sasaki as an opener, ruling out a role as a long reliever upon his return. Sasaki, who was transferred to the 60-day injured list on June 20th, had a complicated start to the season in MLB. In eight starts, he recorded an ERA of 4.72 with a WHIP of 1.49, as well as 24 strikeouts and 22 walks, figures below expectations after his dominant stint in the NPB in Japan. The pitcher admitted that adapting to Major League Baseball has been a challenge.We’re going to try to get him to five or six innings and we’ll go from there.
Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
One of the key adjustments has been to incorporate a two-seam fastball into his arsenal, inspired by his compatriot Shohei Ohtani. Sasaki already had a four-seam fastball, a splitter, and a slider. Roberts also highlighted the importance of this forced pause as an opportunity for growth: “I hope to see him attack the zone, have conviction in his pitches, and better performance. That he has learned from the first month of this season.” Sasaki’s return could add to a Dodgers rotation that recently recovered Blake Snell and currently has six starters, including Emmet Sheehan. The situation remains open to define Sasaki’s role in the coming days.American hitters have different approaches, I can’t attack them the same way as in Japan. I’m trying to have more variety in how I face them.
Roki Sasaki
