Dodgers Insider Shares Unfortunate News on Roki Sasaki

Roki Sasaki’s return to the Los Angeles Dodgers is still very much a mystery. The Japanese phenom has not pitched in the majors since May because of a right shoulder impingement, and time’s running out for him to make a considerable impact in the Dodgers’ playoff push.

While Sasaki recently progressed enough to make a minor-league rehab assignment, there remains no timetable on when he might be back.

Sonja Chen, who covers the Dodgers for MLB.com, only added to the suspense surrounding Sasaki in a recent newsletter.

What is the Latest Update on Roki Sasaki’s Rehab?

Sasaki made his first rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma City last Thursday, throwing two-plus innings rather than three, as previously planned. Sasaki’s velocity was noticeably down compared to his simulated outing at Dodger Stadium, when he sat between 96-97 mph. Averaging 93.6 mph with his fastball, Sasaki needed 41 pitches to record six outs. He allowed three runs on six hits and did not strike anyone out.

Chen called Sasaki’s rehab process “complicated,” adding that building up the rookie pitcher’s workload is far from the Dodgers’ only aim.

“The Dodgers also want him to build the confidence that he needs in order to be able to attack big league hitters with conviction,” Chen wrote, “a quality the team feels has not always been there this season.”

Sasaki’s last appearance with the Dodgers came May 9 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, when he gave up five runs over four innings in a 14-11 win. He was placed on the 15-day injured list four days later after complaining of arm soreness.

In eight starts, Sasaki is 1-1 with a 4.72 ERA and six homers allowed in 34.1 innings. He also has 24 strikeouts compared to 22 walks.

What Are the Dodgers Saying About Roki Sasaki?

After Sasaki’s 45-pitch simulated outing, manager Dave Roberts said the team was still 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 attack the hitters.”

Sasaki resumed throwing approximately two weeks after landing on the IL but didn’t advance beyond soft tossing before he was shut down again. At the time, pitching coach Mark Prior suggested there was a psychological barrier that Sasaki needed to clear before he could ramp back up.

“There’s always a mental component when you’re hurt,” Prior said, “and you’re always wondering, ‘Am I going to feel something at that moment?’ … There is a little bit of a mental barrier that they all need to get through.”

When Will Roki Sasaki Return?

The Dodgers still have not provided a firm timetable for Sasaki’s return. But according to Chen, it doesn’t appear to be overly close.

Said Chen: “With the Dodgers already using a six-man rotation, there’s not an immediate need for Sasaki to return. They can afford for him to take some time to figure things out, if needed, which would perhaps push his return beyond early September.”

Ravaged for much of this season by injuries, the Dodgers’ rotation has solidified a bit since Blake Snell returned Aug. 2.

The defending World Series champions are 72-54 and lead the NL West by 2.5 games.

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