The Los Angeles Dodgers are adjusting their strategy as they face the possibility of being without Roki Sasaki for the remainder of the season. Manager Dave Roberts expressed the team’s need to prepare for a future without the young pitcher, who has recently struggled with his health and performance.
Roberts noted that Sasaki has been unable to ramp up his throwing routine due to discomfort, which has prevented him from participating in throwing exercises. However, the 23-year-old has been focusing on strength training in the weight room during this period of inactivity.
Despite showing flashes of potential in his brief MLB career, Sasaki has faced challenges on the mound, recording a 4.72 ERA over 34.1 innings across eight starts before being sidelined with a shoulder impingement. His command issues were evident, as he accumulated 24 strikeouts while walking 22 batters, resulting in a below-average ERA+ of 84.
The Dodgers are hopeful that with more rest and an extended break, Sasaki can return to form and replicate the success he had previously in Japan. There, he posted a remarkable 2.10 ERA with 505 strikeouts over 395.2 innings in four seasons. His impressive splitter remains a weapon, generating a significant swing-and-miss rate, but concerns about his diminished fastball velocity have emerged.
Looking ahead, both Sasaki and the Dodgers will be eager for his return to the mound, where they hope he can improve his statistics to align more closely with his performance in Nippon Professional Baseball. This commitment to player development and recovery highlights the team’s long-term vision for embracing talent while navigating challenges.
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