After months of missing out on MLB action, the Japanese starting pitcher is navigating towards resuming his rookie MLB season. The 23 year old right-hander was sidelined with right shoulder impingement. He’s set to start a rehab assignment this week in Triple-A Oklahoma City. For now, the young phenom is expected to throw three innings in his first outing after returning. Of course, the Dodgers, who have seen nearly 15 of their pitchers on IL at one point, will be cautious with his return.
The rookie in question is Roki Sasaki and yes, he will finally return sooner than we expected. Before his injury, he had started eight games for the Dodgers. Over 34.1 innings, he has held a 4.72 ERA, striking out just 24 batters. Recently, he threw three simulated innings and delivered 45 pitches. Sasaki’s fastball velocity averaged between 96-97 mph, reflecting that he’s gaining his strength.
He was officially placed on the injured list back on May 10th with impingement syndrome in his right shoulder. And earlier this week, Sasaki himself reported that he’s been feeling “pain-free” as of late.
Credit: MLB.com
However, in an exclusive interview that was released on Abema, manager Dave Roberts didn’t just update on Sasaki’s return but also gave a cold dose of reality for the Japanese star.
He emphasized that Sasaki is a good pitcher but still, there is one glaring gap according to Roberts. “I want Roki to have confidence. He’s always seemed to lack confidence.” He said. Roberts expects Sasaki to be more aggressive in attacking batters and believe in his abilities.
When it came down to his potential return, Roberts updated, “He seems to be getting stronger, and he said he’s looking forward to his return. His lower and upper body are stronger, and his shoulder is in good condition. He’s in good health. I think he’ll be able to throw 100 miles per hour when he returns.” Roberts also revealed his next plan for Sasaki.
He will make the right-hander appear in three rehab games in the minors, throwing three, four and five innings, respectively. If it all works out as per Roberts’ planning and Sasaki’s health, he will return as early as September. It’s certain that we will see Sasaki back in Dodgerland in the coming weeks, but it’s still uncertain what role he will take!
Dodgers uncertain about Sasaki’s role
Amidst the uncertainty of his role in the Dodgers lineup, the fact that Roki Sasaki happens to be a team-first guy should bode well for him. He is reportedly willing to take any role with the Dodgers if it comes down to winning the World Series.
“Regardless of my role, I’m just making sure I can compete and get Major League hitters out,” Sasaki admitted. He further explained that it’s not his job to determine his role; all he knows is that he wants to get hitters out.
The Dodgers have finally got their two starters back in recent weeks—Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell. Now, the return of Roki Sasaki is also around the corner. There was a point when the Dodgers had 14 pitchers on IL. Now, they have a surplus of starting pitching. Considering that, it’s uncertain where the Dodgers will fit Sasaki.
Roberts does see Sasaki as a starter only. “Obviously he’s a starter. We see him as that.” But still, his next remark puts a question mark on Sasaki’s role. “Just don’t know what’s going to happen with starting pitching.” The Dodgers are going to take the 13 best pitchers and right now they are not sure on the names. If the club goes deep in a postseason run, they could hand Sasaki a bullpen role too. For now, all that matters is for the 23-year-old to return healthy and rejoin the roster.
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