Roki Sasaki’s return to the Los Angeles Dodgers remains a pressing question as the team approaches the playoff stretch. The Japanese pitching phenom has not appeared in the majors since early May due to a right shoulder impingement, and while he has begun a minor-league rehab assignment, a clear timetable for his return has yet to be established.
Sasaki made his first rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma City, throwing just over two innings—short of the planned three. His fastball averaged 93.6 mph, noticeably down from the 96–97 mph he displayed in a simulated outing at Dodger Stadium. In 41 pitches, he allowed three runs on six hits without recording a strikeout.
Roki Sasaki’s Dodgers Return Remains Uncertain Amid Rehab Struggles
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“The Dodgers also want him to build the confidence that he needs in order to be able to attack big league hitters with conviction,” MLB.com’s Sonja Chen wrote. “A quality the team feels has not always been there this season.”
She started her update by saying, “The rehab process for Sasaki (right shoulder impingement) is a little more complicated.”
Sasaki’s last major-league outing came May 9, when he surrendered five runs over four innings against Arizona. Through eight starts, he posted a 1–1 record with a 4.72 ERA, six home runs allowed, 24 strikeouts, and 22 walks in 34.1 innings.
Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the need for Sasaki to feel comfortable and confident in his delivery before returning. “We’re waiting for him to get to a point where he feels really comfortable and confident in his delivery so he can attack hitters,” Roberts said.
With the Dodgers currently operating a six-man rotation and the team holding a 72–54 record while leading the NL West by 2.5 games, there is no immediate urgency for Sasaki to return. Chen notes this could push his comeback beyond early September, allowing him additional time to build both stamina and confidence.
Despite the slow progress, the Dodgers maintain faith in Sasaki’s long-term potential. The 23-year-old arrived with lofty expectations, and while this season has been frustrating, the club retains control over the right-hander for five more years. The focus now is on ensuring he returns physically and mentally prepared to contribute at the highest level.