Dodgers Focus on Depth as Roki Sasaki Rehab Update Sparks Optimism for October Run
The Los Angeles Dodgers sit behind the San Diego Padres in the National League West entering Friday, after a four-game skid that included a sweep by cross-town rival Los Angeles Angels. While the slide hasn’t derailed the defending champions’ season, attention remains on the rehab journey of rookie Roki Sasaki, whose return could add another powerful asset to an already deep roster.
Sasaki remains in Triple-A Oklahoma City as he works his way back to health. In his latest rehab outing, he pitched just over two innings, allowing three runs on six hits with a walk and no strikeouts. The line underscores that he’s still ironing out timing and command, and suggests a few more starts in the minors may be needed before he’s ready for a big‑league return. Still, the organization and fans alike will be watching closely to see if he can recapture the form that initially propelled him into the spotlight.
Even as Sasaki rehabs, the Dodgers are getting healthier and adding depth. Reliever Michael Kopech is expected to join Sasaki in Triple-A soon. Other bullpen pieces—Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, and Brock Stewart—are trending upward, while lineup contributors Kike Hernandez and Hyeseong Kim are projected to return within the coming weeks. History shows that a team with strong depth can tilt a playoff race, and Los Angeles will be aiming to keep that edge as Sasaki progresses.
What this means for the postseason push is clear: the Dodgers want Sasaki healthy and ready to contribute, but not at the expense of long-term growth and durability. If he regains the elite look he flashed earlier in his career, he could become another versatile weapon for a pitching staff built for October.
Summary of what to watch next
– Sasaki’s next rehab start: how he answers the questions of timing and potency after the latest rough line.
– Dodgers’ health progress: when Kopech is expected to return to Triple-A and how quickly the bullpen reinforcements step forward.
– Impact on roster decisions: potential implications for bullpen roles and any upcoming call-ups if Sasaki shows progress.
Overall, the Dodgers remain hopeful about adding Sasaki back into a championship-contending mix this season, balancing development with a cautious road to peak performance for a push toward another title.