Dodgers Shut Down Roki Sasaki as Shoulder Issue Lingers

LOS ANGELES, CA — Roki Sasaki, the promising right-hander for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will not be throwing for the foreseeable future due to discomfort in his shoulder. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the news during a press conference, underscoring the team’s cautious approach to Sasaki’s recovery.

Sasaki has been on the injured list for over a month due to a right shoulder impingement. Initial assessments had suggested he might start throwing again soon, but recent reports indicate he has not made the expected progress. The Dodgers do not have a timeline for Sasaki’s return, and Roberts admitted that Sasaki’s ability to return to the mound in 2025 is uncertain.

Despite being cleared of pain, Sasaki’s shoulder issues have hindered his ability to increase throwing intensity. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior explained that the team is prioritizing Sasaki’s confidence in his ability to pitch effectively before resuming any rigorous training. Prior added that Sasaki had only engaged in light catch drills lately.

“He’s just not feeling that he can ramp it up,” Roberts said, emphasizing the importance of Sasaki’s comfort level during the rehabilitation process. “It’s more of a question for Roki, to be quite honest with you, as far as the sensation.”

With eight starts this season, Sasaki posted a 3.72 ERA but struggled with command, recording 24 strikeouts and 22 walks across 34.1 innings. For the Dodgers, who are facing an injury crisis with numerous pitchers on the shelf, Sasaki’s absence adds to their challenges.

The Dodgers have remained resilient, utilizing other players to step up in the starting rotation. However, they continue to hope for a swift return of Sasaki, who was once viewed as a major part of the team’s long-term pitching plans.

As the situation develops, the organization will likely provide updates about Sasaki’s condition, but for now, he remains sidelined with no definitive path back to the mound.