Roki Sasaki turned in the best start of his near month-long rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, striking out eight in 4.2 innings of work against the Sacramento River Cats.
Sasaki didn’t allow a run until the fifth inning, and his fastball velocity was up considerably from previous outings.
“It was great for the Dodgers, great for Roki’s confidence, great for the organization,” manager Dave Roberts said of Sasaki’s most recent start.
“But mostly it was great for Roki. Just to really let it eat, let it fly, have some success and know he can be the guy he’s known to be.”
Sasaki is now en route to Los Angeles, where he will meet with the Dodgers coaching staff to discuss his role for the remainder of the 2025 season.
“From what I understand, he’s going to be flying in today and I think he’s going to sit down with all of us that make decisions and figure out what’s the next step,” Roberts said.
With the Dodgers starting rotation back to full health, Sasaki would likely have to settle for a bullpen role if he is added back to their active roster. Another option is Sasaki staying in the Minors to make regular starts.
“I think just to be honest with Roki, and where we’re at, where he’s at, what’s best for him and what’s best for us,” Roberts said. “I do think that question is going to be asked, because I think you can argue both.
“Whether it’s kind of getting ready for something to happen here in a starting role, or changing a role, I think it all should be on the table. We’re going to have that conversation.”
Roki Sasaki’s 2025 season
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.
He made eight starts for the Dodgers before the injury, going 1-1 with a 4.72 ERA and 1.49 WHIP in 34.1 innings pitched.
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