Roki Sasaki is showing promising signs as he works his way back from injury. After a stint on the injured list since May 23 due to a right shoulder impingement, the young right-hander has engaged in several key steps towards recovery. Currently, he is pain-free and recently threw a bullpen session, with plans to face live hitters in a three-inning simulation this Friday.
Sasaki, who made eight starts in the Major Leagues prior to his injury, is keenly aware of the different hitting approaches in American baseball compared to Japan. He noted that this understanding is crucial for him to develop a more varied strategy for attacking hitters in the league.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has highlighted the challenges Sasaki faced transitioning from the Nippon Professional Baseball League to Major League Baseball, particularly given his limited experience when he joined the Dodgers. The time away from the mound has allowed Sasaki to observe games closely, analyzing how pitchers operate and how hitters respond. Roberts believes this period has been beneficial for Sasaki’s development as a player.
Despite some challenges during his initial starts, Sasaki’s understanding of pitching mechanics appears to be improving. During his last bullpen session, he registered fastball readings up to 96 mph and has added a two-seam fastball to his repertoire, which could help him secure more ground ball outs.
As Sasaki prepares for a potential rehabilitation assignment, the adjustments he has made could enhance his performance as he looks to reintegrate into the Dodgers’ rotation.
In a sport where recovery and adaptation are vital, Sasaki’s experience underscores the importance of patience and learning through observation. His journey offers hope not only for his personal growth but also for the Dodgers as they aim for continued success in the season ahead.