Dodgers Provide Roki Sasaki Insight Ahead of Return From Injury

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are working SP Roki Sasaki back from injury in an anticipated starting role, but the team would rather use him in relief during the postseason, wrote The Athletic's Katie Woo.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced multiple injury scares in the pitching rotation. Still, they remain focused on preparing for a third straight World Series win.

One question about the Dodgers’ pitching centers on right-hander Roki Sasaki. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since revealing a blister on his throwing hand. He is eyeing a return before the postseason, although his role in Los Angeles’ rotation remains unknown.

Learning of Blake Snell’s recent groin injury has forced the Dodgers to pivot to a new strategy.

“To be safe, the Dodgers are likely to keep building up Roki Sasaki as a starter,” wrote The Athletic’s Katie Woo. “Sasaki threw a four-inning simulated game Wednesday in Cincinnati. While the Dodgers would prefer to use Sasaki in relief in the postseason, keeping him stretched out on a starter’s workload is smart insurance as they await further developments with Snell.”