Dodgers' Dave Roberts Gives Injury Update on Roki Sasaki

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Dodgers' Dave Roberts Gives Injury Update on Roki Sasaki originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Los Angeles Dodgers rookie phenom Roki Sasaki has been on the injured list since early May with a right shoulder impingement, and manager Dave Roberts is providing a more positive update on Sasaki's condition compared to the one he gave nearly three weeks ago.
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"He's just not feeling that he can kind of ramp it up, so I gather that we're trying to hold the baseball a little bit until he feels like we can get going again," Roberts said last month.
According to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, Roberts has a bit more encouraging outlook on Sasaki's condition.
Roberts said that Sasaki is "feeling really good," which is a good sign that the starting pitcher could be making progress in his recovery.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) looks on in the dougout during the third inning of the game against the Athletics at Dodger Stadium.Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Sasaki's MLB debut this season has been a rollercoaster, flashing elite strikeout capability coupled with control issues. He went 1-1 in his eight starts, pitching 34.1 innings with 24 strikeouts, 22 walks, and a 4.72 ERA. Sasaki's struggles adjusting to MLB hitting have only been set back even farther because of the shoulder injury.
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Like many, Joe Mistretta of ClutchPoints is exceptionally high on the pitcher, which makes a full recovery for Sasaki that much more critical to the top team in the National League.
"Anyone who has watched Sasaki pitch understands how high his ceiling is," Mistretta said. "The right-handed pitcher could become a Cy Young candidate if he develops consistency at the big league level."
Sure, the up-and-down starting pitching for Los Angeles has been a concern this season, but the Dodgers have no reason to rush Sasaki back. He got hurt on May 13 and could be activated by the All-Star break, although it does not seem that promising. Roberts has yet to provide a return date.
Related: Dodgers Prospect Dud Expected to Be Wanted During MLB Trade Deadline
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.