Dodgers Set to Activate Rookie Arm as They Look Ahead to the Postseason

Dodgers to Activate Roki Sasaki on Wednesday

Is the Shoulder OK?

Roki Sasaki has had a turbulent first year in the majors. Far from being unhittable, the rookie has had some growing pains. He has accumulated a 4.72 ERA over 34 1/3 innings with 24 strikeouts. To make matters worse, his velocity took a nose dive. Not surprisingly, this landed the rookie on the injured list. Sasaki has been sidelined with a cranky shoulder since early May.

Exceeding Expectations

The Dodgers had been pessimistic about Sasaki’s return in 2025. Not long ago, Roberts said he wouldn’t be surprised if the right-hander didn’t return to a major league mound this year. This led many to think that the Dodgers were more interested in his further development, including working on adding a pitch to his arsenal. For example, in his extended rehab, Sasaki said he was throwing without pain, but his velocity remained a concern. With only weeks left in the regular season, Roki’s return looked like a long shot.

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

The Dodgers have struggled to find a dependable bullpen option from the right side. Most of the arms have spent considerable time on the injured list. In addition, veterans Kirby Yates and Blake Treinen have been ineffective at best, with ERAs over five. As a result, the Dodgers have experimented with Sasaki out of the bullpen at Triple-A Oklahoma City. In a limited time, Sasaki has yet to give up a run, has hit 100 miles an hour on the radar gun, and struck out multiple batters.

It is probably too soon to say whether the transition is a success, but the Dodgers appear willing to try anything to get outs in the late innings.