Roki Sasaki is likely headed to the bullpen for October, but the Los Angeles Dodgers could still have a use for him in the rotation during this final month of the regular season.
However, the right-hander has been on the 15-day injured list since Aug. 27 due to a right middle finger blister.
The Dodgers are being cautious with Sasaki’s return so as not to risk aggravating the blister, but he is on track to return soon regardless.
“I would assume more of, I don’t know when his days are up, but I think it’s after we leave,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I saw him yesterday at the end of the bench. It’s healing well. He’s still moving his arm, playing catch. So I think it’s going to be a shorter term getting him back.”
The timing of when to move Sasaki to the bullpen is a decision the Dodgers have previously contemplated.
Sasaki is on course to return to the rotation based on Roberts’ previous comments, provided the right-hander’s absence is indeed short.
The Dodgers are leaning toward that decision given the 24-year-old’s recent update, but there is still a scenario in which he ends up in the bullpen ahead of October. Roberts said he cannot give a definitive answer on what Sasaki’s role will be at this time.
“I don’t think anyone can answer that right now,” he began. “I think that’s kind of depending on where we’re at with the rotation, when he’s ready to come back and pitch. So, yeah, I don’t know. Hopefully. The thought would be come back in the rotation.”
Sasaki could benefit from gathering experience as a reliever ahead of the postseason. The second-year pitcher completed relief appearances while rehabbing in Triple-A Oklahoma City and in two Major League games at the end of the regular season.
On the other hand, the Dodgers could be in need of another starter to close out the regular season, depending on how the rotation takes shape over the coming days.
Dodgers activate Blake Treinen
Elsewhere on the Dodgers’ pitching staff, Blake Treinen is back on the active roster for the first time since June 19. He was reinstated from the 60-day IL on Wednesday, with Eric Lauer going on the 15-day IL with left elbow inflammation in a corresponding move.
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