Roki Sasaki, one of the jewels of Japanese pitching and a star signing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, remains on hold due to a right shoulder injury. It is a sensitive blow because, although his debut in Major League Baseball has not been as brilliant as many expected, the team still trusts in his potential.
After several days of uncertainty about the severity of his injury, manager Dave Roberts has finally given an update that gives some clarity on the immediate future of the young pitcher.
In his first eight starts with the Dodgers, Roki had an ERA of 4.72, with 22 walks and just 24 strikeouts in 34.1 innings. His command was far from the level he showed in Japan, and soon the rumors stopped talking about his adaptation to focus on his health.
What happened to Roki Sasaki?
Last month, Sasaki was placed on the disabled list after being diagnosed with an impingement in his right shoulder, a condition that affects mobility and causes pain when pitching.
Although at first it seemed like a terrible diagnosis that would keep him off the field for several months, the team remained calm while waiting for a thorough evaluation of his elbow.
On the subject, Dave Roberts has shed more light on the matter by stating that Sasaki has already started throwing lightly, indicating that he is in the early stages of his recovery. However, there is still no set timetable for his full rehabilitation, so he will remain in Los Angeles and will not join the team in the upcoming games.
When could Roki Sasaki pitch again?
Although there is no exact date, Roberts himself was clear in saying:
I don’t know when he will be back, but I hope he will be back by the end of August
However, his return will be slow and steady. The plan is for him to first go through a rehabilitation stage in the minor leagues to regain his rhythm before rejoining the big team.
Meanwhile, Sasaki remains involved: he watches opposing pitchers, chats with coaches and works on his physique, especially improving his stamina.
Roberts has also emphasized that the priority for Sasaki is to be physically fit for the following seasons, not for this one, as he is one of the main long-term projects for the Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers are facing a real injury crisis: 14 pitchers are currently on the injured list. Even so, the team has been clear that it will not rush returns, even with such a battered rotation.
The pain never really went away while he was pitching. It seems to be better now. We gave him an injection to relieve the pain and we talk to him every day to follow up
With some starters recovering and others showing good numbers, the Dodgers can afford to take their time with Sasaki, as it is clear that the Japanese pitcher has the team’s full confidence to reach and surpass the level he once showed in the NPB.
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