Roki Sasaki in rehabilitation

Surprising as it may seem, the Los Angeles Dodgers currently have five healthy starting pitchers, plus Shohei Ohtani.

A lot can change between now and the start of the playoffs, but for now, that may not leave room for Roki Sasaki in the starting rotation if he's able to make a comeback.

Because let's just say that, at the moment, nothing is going right for the Japanese, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Oklahoma City at Tripe-A level.

Indeed, Sasaki is experiencing his share of difficulties during his rehab, posting an earned run average of 7.07 in four starts in the minors. What's more, his fastball velocity has dropped considerably since he threw a few simulated innings at Dodger Stadium last August.

And his manager, Dave Roberts, expected more from his colt.

I'm surprised,” he says. Because the talent level is certainly there. The performances haven't been there. I think there must be something wrong. And also against AAA hitters, you'd expect more.

Perhaps Roberts shouldn't be so surprised, since Sasaki had a difficult 2025 season, also struggling in the Majors before his injury. The right-hander made eight starts, posting an earned-run average of 4.72 in 34 innings and a third of work on the mound.

What's more, Nippon failed to generate as much swing in the gap as he has in the past in his homeland, retiring just 24 batters on strikes during that span.

The Dodgers will therefore be hoping that their young star can get back on track and make a return to the MLB soon, but if not, Sasaki will at least have to show encouraging signs ahead of the next campaign.

This content was created with the help of AI.