Roki Sasaki began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City last month in effort to work his way back to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The right-hander struggled in his most recent start with the Comets as he allowed four runs on three hits and recorded two strikeouts against two walks over five innings pitched.
It isn’t clear if Sasaki will rejoin the Dodgers before the end of the regular season, but manager Dave Roberts wants him to continue getting better with each outing.
“I think for us, it’s just trying to get some consistency out of him to build him up and also at this point in time, just to perform,” Roberts said of Sasaki.
“Our starters are pitching well, so the bar is high. This is a good kind of learning process for Roki. Just continue to pound the strike zone, command the baseball and perform.”
Through four rehab starts with the Comets, Sasaki has pitched to a 7.07 ERA, 1.79 WHIP and eight strikeouts against eight walks in 14 innings of work.
Those pale in comparison from the dominant numbers Sasaki put up in Japan, but Roberts believes he is still adjusting to a learning curve.
“I think the velocity needs to be consistent, the strike-throwing needs to be consistent and just overall command,” Roberts began. “The focus certainly is different in the big leagues versus Triple-A, which is totally fair.
“But I do think where he’s at, performing and dominating Triple-A hitting is something that we should expect. Again, this is a learning year for Roki.
“He’s certainly so talented, but how do you have success as a pitcher? You command the baseball, you get ahead and you’re efficient.”
Sasaki has been on the injured list since May 13 due to a prolonged recovery from a right shoulder impingement that twice shut him down from throwing.
Before the injury, he went 1-1 with a 4.72 ERA and 1.49 WHIP in eight starts with the Dodgers.
Roki Sasaki’s potential role with Dodgers
With the Dodgers starting rotation back to full health, Sasaki would likely need to contribute out of the bullpen if he rejoins the team before the end of the year.
It’s something the Dodgers have previously considered, but they still view Sasaki as a starting pitcher in the long term.
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