What's Happening?
Roki Sasaki, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is set to make his first rehab start after being sidelined since mid-May due to a shoulder injury. Sasaki will pitch for the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma City Comets, on Thursday evening. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Sasaki will pitch for three innings. Prior to this, Sasaki completed a simulated three-inning game, throwing 45 pitches with fastball speeds between 96-97 mph. The Dodgers have been cautious in Sasaki's recovery, utilizing live bullpen sessions to prepare him for MLB games. Despite his potential, Sasaki's MLB career stats include an ERA of 4.72 and a WHIP of 1.49 over eight starts.
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Why It's Important?
Sasaki's return is significant for the Dodgers as they look to bolster their pitching lineup. His recovery and performance in the rehab start will be crucial in determining his readiness for MLB games. The Dodgers have a deep farm system, allowing them to be patient with Sasaki's rehabilitation. His return could impact the team's strategy and rotation, potentially enhancing their competitiveness in the league. Sasaki's performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts, as his ability to compete with big league hitters remains a key factor for the Dodgers' success.
What's Next?
Following the rehab start, Sasaki's progress will be evaluated to determine his readiness for returning to MLB games. The Dodgers will likely continue to monitor his performance and health closely, adjusting their strategy based on his recovery. If Sasaki shows positive results, he may soon rejoin the Dodgers' main roster, contributing to their pitching strength. The team's management will decide on further steps based on Sasaki's performance and feedback from the rehab assignment.
