When someone mentions Roki Sasaki, 100mph+ strikes come to mind. So, when he became part of the Blue Crew, the expectations soared. As the season began, the velocity dropped to an average of 96mph before he landed on the 60-day IL in June due to right shoulder impingement. The Dodgers, facing pitching struggles, received positive news as he resumed throwing in rehab. However, things aren’t as straightforward as they seem.
That hope proved to be true when Sasaki said he was “pain-free” after throwing a fastball that reached 97 mph in a simulated game against Alex Call and two minor leaguers. With a club ERA of 4.17, which was 19th in the league, any good news about pitching feels like a miracle. However, the most recent update from the rehab is worrisome.
Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic recently posted an update on his X. It read, “Roki Sasaki has struggled through one inning of his rehab assignment, allowing a pair of runs on three hits. Fastball has sat at 93-94 mph, according to the feed.” For a pitcher whose identity was established in triple digits, seeing those statistics is not what anyone expected.
Roki Sasaki has struggled through one inning of his rehab assignment, allowing a pair of runs on three hits. Fastball has sat at 93-94 mph, according to the feed.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 15, 2025
Before the injury, his outings were anything but smooth. He had a 4.72 ERA in eight starts that lasted about 34 innings. Roki Sasaki struck out 24 batters but walked 22, and allowed six home runs off his fastball. This showed that his command was bad and his heat was down.
And with the playoffs coming closer, Dave Roberts is clear with his strategies. “We’re gonna take the 13 best pitchers [into the playoffs]. If Roki is a part of that in some capacity, then that would be great. And if he’s not, then he won’t be.” Put up good numbers and get the chance.
Even Roki Sasaki is aware of it. He said, “My every intention is to get back on the major league mound and pitch again. With that being said, I do need to fight for the opportunity, too. I don’t think that I’ll just be given the opportunity right away. So you know this month is going to be important for me, since I’ll be facing hitters throughout.”
Now, the question that looms is, can ‘The Monster of the Reiwa Era’ show why he got that name? Well, time will tell. But as of now, the Dodgers have thrown with one more injury in the pitching staff.
Dodgers’ new setback: Stewart shuts down after shoulder flare
Dodgers fans were worried about Roki Sasaki’s shoulder injury. But just when they thought the danger was over, another alarm went off. Reliever Brock Stewart is going to the IL with inflammation in his right shoulder. Dave Roberts, the manager, said it was just “wear and tear.”
But the fact that Stewart only started to feel sore around four days ago makes the move anything but normal. He’ll have further tests that will tell how bad this flare-up is.
Stewart had been doing well up until this point. Since being traded, he has pitched four times, going 3 2/3 innings and giving up only two earned runs. He has a nice 2.63 ERA over the course of the season, which is the most innings he has ever pitched in a season. Not the best, but reliable—just what this bullpen needed.
To fill that void, L.A. has called up Edgardo Henriquez, whose prior performances have shown promise. As of August 10, the Dodgers have six pitchers out. Roki Sasaki (60-day IL), Brusdar Graterol, Michael Grove, River Ryan, Kyle Hurt, and Tony Gonsolin (15-day IL); Kirby Yates, Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, and Brock Stewart (15-day IL).
With injuries and Sasaki’s low 90s velocity, can the Dodgers’ championship hopes survive with their pitching issues? Or collapse under October’s harsh spotlight?
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