Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki was placed on the injured list this week after a blister ruptured on his pitching hand during a start in Atlanta. The injury, which occurred as Sasaki was nearing his goal of completing the entire season in the starting rotation, may redirect his role toward closing games in the playoffs.
The Dodgers are reportedly considering Sasaki for a relief role in the postseason, particularly with Tyler Glasnow back in the rotation and Shohei Ohtani expected to return soon. Sources suggest Sasaki may be the team's most effective closer for October, especially given uncertainties with other bullpen arms like Edwin Diaz and Tanner Scott.
Sasaki's determination to start for the entire regular season, driven by a desire to overcome durability concerns from his time in Japan, may be altered by this injury. His 23 starts this season mark a career high. Despite the setback, Sasaki's earned-run average of 3.05 in seven games after the All-Star break indicates his continued viability as a starting pitcher.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the potential value of Sasaki transitioning to a late-inning role. "There’s certainly value in that," Roberts said. Depending on the duration of his absence, Sasaki could return to the starting rotation or be utilized to give other pitchers breaks. Roberts added, "There’s also value at some point—and I don’t know the schedule in the next two weeks, off days and all that stuff and where starters are going to be—with having him inserted to give other guys a blow."
When Sasaki joined the Dodgers before last season, he signed a minor-league contract. As an international free agent under 25, he was classified as an amateur, allowing the Dodgers to acquire him at a low cost. The team has since supported his development, providing opportunities similar to those given to other players like Edwin Diaz and Kyle Tucker.
Other Team Developments
Tyler Glasnow's return to the rotation was a highlight of the week for the Dodgers, despite a series loss to the Braves. Glasnow pitched five innings, allowing three runs while striking out seven. The team plans for him to enter games after Shohei Ohtani pitches the first inning of the series finale in Detroit, potentially in either a starting or relief capacity.
Catcher Hunter Feduccia has emerged as a key player in the absence of Will Smith. Feduccia, reacquired from the Tampa Bay Rays at the trade deadline, has contributed offensively with a hitting streak and defensively, guiding pitchers like Blake Snell and Glasnow.
In the minor leagues, prospect Jacob Kmatz has shown immediate success since being acquired from the Rays. In double-A Tulsa, Kmatz has posted a 0.84 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 10 2/3 innings. The 23-year-old right-hander, who transitioned to the bullpen this season, could be in the Dodgers' big-league plans in the coming years.