Dodgers Activate Rookie Pitcher Sasaki for Final Games of Regular Season

PHOENIX — The Los Angeles Dodgers activated rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki from the 60-day injured list on Wednesday. The 23-year-old right-hander is set to pitch out of the bullpen during the final five games of the regular season as the team evaluates his potential role for the postseason.

Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the activation, announcing that another right-hander will be placed on the injured list due to a persistent hamstring issue. The move is retroactive to September 21.

Roberts explained that while there is no defined role for Sasaki, he hopes the young pitcher can seize his chance. "Giving everything he has for an inning or two at a time is what I envision. Let the performance play out. Just go after guys and be on the attack," Roberts said.

Sasaki has had a mixed performance this season, with a record of 1-1, a 4.72 ERA, and 24 strikeouts in 34⅓ innings across eight big league starts. Additionally, he struggled in Triple-A Oklahoma City, posting a 0-2 record with a 6.10 ERA over seven outings, including five starts.

As defending World Series champions, the Dodgers are actively looking for bullpen assistance as they approach the playoffs. The team suffered a tough 5-4 loss on Tuesday, where they blew a save opportunity.

Sasaki signed a minor league contract with a $6.5 million signing bonus earlier this year after leaving Japan’s Chiba Lotte Marines under MLB’s posting system. Although his debut season has not met expectations, the Dodgers remain hopeful he can contribute during October’s postseason.

Sasaki is one of three Japanese players on the Dodgers’ roster, joining two-way star Shohei Ohtani and fellow right-hander Hirokazu Sawamura.