Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Dodgers Gambling Everything on Roki Sasaki Improvement in October

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 8:20 PM ET

Roki Sasaki is about to step back onto a major league mound, and this time the Dodgers hope he can be their secret weapon.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that Sasaki will be activated on Wednesday and shifted to the bullpen for the rest of the season. It’s a pivot born out of necessity. The 23-year-old hasn’t pitched in the majors since May 13, sidelined with a right shoulder impingement and slowed again by a calf issue during his rehab. One of the most sought-after free agents last winter, Sasaki’s first taste of MLB this spring was rocky. He has a 4.72 ERA in 34.1 innings, with 24 strikeouts but 22 walks.

The stuff was undeniable, but the command made every inning a high-wire act.

Now, the Dodgers want to simplify the equation.

Sasaki worked two one-inning stints at Triple-A last week. His fastball sat between 98 to 100 mph. Paired with the splitter that made him a sensation in Japan, the Dodgers are hoping it will play better out of the bullpen.

Short bursts, not long outings, might be the key.

Baseball Savant shows what the Dodgers are betting on.

Sasaki’s fastball and splitter both graded out as plus pitches when he was healthy, and in relief, the fastball velocity ticks even higher. FanGraphs’ numbers, however, show the risk the Dodgers are taking. Walks were too often, and first-pitch strikes were too rare.

If that doesn’t change, he’s going to be a three-batter adventure at the most critical time of the year.

The Dodgers’ bullpen has lacked a consistent strikeout threat beyond Blake Treinen. If Sasaki throws strikes, he instantly becomes one of their most dangerous late-inning options, the kind of power arm that can swing a postseason game.

It’s a gamble.

It’s about finding out right now if he can miss bats in October. If he looks like he did in those Triple-A tune-ups, Sasaki could be in the middle of the Dodgers’ playoff plans.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: