What's happened
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki has been sidelined due to arm soreness following his last start against Arizona. The 23-year-old right-hander, who has struggled with velocity, is 1-1 with a 4.72 ERA in eight starts this season. The Dodgers face mounting injury challenges in their rotation.
What's behind the headline?
Performance Concerns
- Sasaki's recent outings have shown a decline in velocity, dropping from 100 mph to the mid-90s.
- Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the need to assess Sasaki's physical state to ensure he can meet performance expectations.
Impact on Dodgers' Rotation
- The Dodgers are already dealing with injuries to key pitchers Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, making Sasaki's situation more critical.
- Clayton Kershaw is set to return, but the overall depth of the rotation is under strain.
Future Outlook
- The team must navigate these injuries while maintaining competitiveness in the NL West.
- Sasaki's recovery will be pivotal for the Dodgers as they aim to stabilize their pitching staff.
What the papers say
According to the NY Post, Sasaki's arm soreness was noted after a start where he allowed five runs in four innings. Manager Dave Roberts stated, "We want to make sure that he’s in a good spot physically." Meanwhile, AP News highlighted that Sasaki's struggles with velocity have raised concerns, noting he has a 4.72 ERA in eight starts. The Dodgers are facing a challenging season with multiple injuries affecting their rotation, as reported by various sources including AP News.
How we got here
Sasaki joined the Dodgers in January after four years in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball League. His recent performance has raised concerns about his physical condition, particularly after a disappointing outing against the Diamondbacks.
Go deeper
- What are the implications for the Dodgers' season?
- How has Sasaki performed this season?
- What other injuries are affecting the Dodgers?
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