Roki Sasaki Takes Major Step Toward Dodgers Return in Five-Inning Live BP

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Five simulated innings at Dodger Stadium

Roki Sasaki took another significant step in his recovery by facing hitters in live batting practice before the Dodgers' game against Cincinnati.

The right-hander worked through a five-inning simulation, facing 18 Minor League hitters and throwing 73 pitches. He recorded 10 strikeouts while allowing three balls that were judged as hits.

Testing the blister in a game-like setting

Sasaki has been on the injured list after a blister on his right middle finger forced him out of his August 26 start in Atlanta.

The live session was structured to resemble a real start, with Sasaki returning to the dugout after each simulated inning before going back to the mound. Afterward, he emphasized that simply being able to pitch to hitters again was an important step.

Return is closer, but no date yet

The session strengthens the possibility that Sasaki could return to the Dodgers' rotation soon, but no exact return date should be treated as confirmed.

For Los Angeles, getting another starter back would add depth as the regular season moves toward its final stretch.

What To Know

Sasaki remains one of the most closely watched Japanese pitchers in MLB. A successful live session is an important checkpoint because it tests both his finger and his pitches under conditions closer to a real game.

Sasaki has been a major baseball story in Japan since his NPB career, so each stage of his MLB development and injury recovery receives close attention.

What Fans Are Saying

Original Japanese

Easy Japanese

佐々木朗希投手が、けがからの復帰に向けて実戦形式の練習をしました。73球を投げて、10個の三振を取りました。