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Dodgers Place Roki Sasaki on Injured List as Struggles Mount

The rookie phenom faces a 15-day IL stint with a shoulder impingement, compounding velocity decline and command issues in his challenging MLB debut.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 09: Starting pitcher Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts while pitching against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fif inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on May 09, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 09: Starting pitcher Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on May 09, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 09: Starting pitcher Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers walks to the dugout during the second inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on May 09, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Overview

  • Roki Sasaki has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder impingement following his May 9 start against Arizona.
  • The 23-year-old rookie has struggled in his MLB debut, posting a 4.72 ERA with 24 strikeouts and 22 walks over 34⅓ innings in eight starts.
  • Sasaki’s fastball velocity has dropped to an average of 96 mph, occasionally dipping to 92–93 mph, a sharp decline from his triple-digit speeds in Japan.
  • Despite his struggles, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has reiterated the team's commitment to developing Sasaki at the major league level rather than sending him to the minors.
  • The Dodgers, already dealing with a depleted pitching rotation, are monitoring Sasaki's health and mechanics closely as they work to address his command and durability concerns.