As Roki Sasaki recovers from a blister, the Los Angeles Dodgers must determine if the hard-throwing righty returns as a crucial rotation piece or a high-octane postseason relief weapon.
Roki Sasaki’s eventual postseason role remains unsettled, but the Los Angeles Dodgers may still need him in the starting rotation before October arrives.
The right-hander has been on the 15-day Injured List since Aug. 27 because of a blister on his right middle finger.
The next steps for Sasaki
Los Angeles has approached his recovery cautiously to avoid aggravating the issue, although Sasaki appears to be progressing toward a relatively quick return.
According to Dodger Blue, manager Dave Roberts said the blister is healing well and that Sasaki has continued moving his arm and playing catch.
Roberts indicated that the Dodgers expect the absence to be short-term, although he was not certain of the exact date when Sasaki’s Injured-List stint would end.
“I would assume more of, I don’t know when his days are up, but I think it’s after we leave,” 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.”
That recovery timeline leaves Los Angeles with another decision regarding his role.
The Dodgers have already discussed the possibility of moving Sasaki to the bullpen for October, but Roberts’ previous comments suggest the current plan is still to bring him back as a starter if his recovery remains on schedule.
Even so, the organization has not committed to that path.
Roberts acknowledged that Sasaki’s role will depend on the condition of the rotation and when he is ready to pitch again.
The preferred scenario would be for him to return to the rotation, but a transition to relief before the postseason remains possible.
Sasaki already has some experience working out of the bullpen.
The second-year pitcher made relief appearances while rehabbing with Triple-A Oklahoma City and appeared twice in relief at the end of the regular season last year.
That experience could help if the Dodgers eventually decide that a bullpen role gives him the best path onto their postseason roster.
At the same time, Los Angeles could still require another starter during the final month, depending on how the rotation develops over the coming days.
Sasaki’s upside
Sasaki is 5-5 with a 4.60 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 119.1 innings over 23 starts this season.
Before the blister interrupted his season, he had begun showing improvement.
Sasaki pitched at least five innings while allowing two earned runs or fewer in three of his final four starts before the injury and won his last two decisions.
He’s an intriguing option in either role.
Sasaki possesses the kind of raw stuff that can overwhelm hitters when his command is working.
His fastball gives him the ability to challenge opponents aggressively, while his secondary pitches create different looks and can generate uncomfortable swings.
As a starter, he has the repertoire to navigate a lineup multiple times.
In relief, that same arsenal could become even more difficult to handle over shorter bursts.
His composure and willingness to adjust are equally important.
The Dodgers do not need to rush the decision.
They need Sasaki healthy enough to contribute wherever the pitching staff ultimately needs him most.
