Roki Sasaki’s Rehab Progress Signals Possible Dodgers Return Ahead of Postseason Push
Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki is inching closer to a return to the Los Angeles Dodgers after delivering his most promising rehab performance to date. On September 10, 2025, Sasaki struck out eight batters over 4 2/3 innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City, showcasing a fastball that averaged 98.6 mph and hit triple digits six times.
This outing marks a turning point in Sasaki’s recovery from a right shoulder impingement that sidelined him in May. With his 30-day rehab window set to expire on September 14, the Dodgers face a critical decision: activate Sasaki for the stretch run or keep him in the minors.
Sasaki’s latest start against the Sacramento River Cats was electric through the first four innings. He retired 12 of the first 15 batters and generated 16 whiffs, a season-high across his 13 combined starts in the majors and minors. His splitter and newly introduced slider produced elite swing-and-miss rates, with the slider topping out at 83.3% whiff rate.
However, command issues surfaced in the fifth inning, where he allowed three runs on three hits and four walks. Despite the late stumble, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called the velocity spike “a good thing for the Dodgers and for Roki,” signaling optimism about his role moving forward.
With the Dodgers’ rotation stacked—featuring Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Clayton Kershaw, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Emmet Sheehan—there’s no immediate opening for Sasaki as a starter. Roberts hinted that Sasaki’s best chance to contribute may come from the bullpen, potentially in a multi-inning relief role.
Sasaki’s early-season MLB stats were underwhelming: a 1-1 record, 4.72 ERA, and nearly as many walks (22) as strikeouts (24) over 34.1 innings. But his recent velocity surge and improved mechanics suggest he could be a valuable postseason weapon.
While Roberts expressed cautious optimism, he also voiced disappointment over Sasaki’s inconsistency. “Against Triple-A hitters, you would expect more,” he said, adding that the team needs “urgency and dominant performance” to justify a roster spot.
Sasaki, dubbed “The Monster of the Reiwa Era,” arrived in MLB with high expectations after dominating Japan’s NPB. His struggles have led some analysts to question whether he can adjust to the American game, especially under postseason pressure.
As the Dodgers battle for control of the NL West, Roki Sasaki’s rehab progress offers both hope and uncertainty. His electric fastball and elite pitch mix could bolster a bullpen in need of depth, but only if he proves he can deliver consistently.
With his rehab window closing and October looming, the next few days will determine whether Sasaki becomes a postseason X-factor—or a long-term project.
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