Los Angeles Dodgers add Roki Sasaki to injured list, leaving the team's pitching options scant.
Breaking: Roki Sasaki Off the Mound for Dodgers After Diagnosed with Right Shoulder Impingement
The Los Angeles Dodgers' roster has taken another hit with right-hander Roki Sasaki landing on the injured list, sidelined due to a right shoulder impingement. No potential return timetable has been shared yet.
Sasaki, a highly-touted Japanese pitcher, skipped his scheduled bullpen session on Tuesday, instead seeking medical attention from the team doctor. The news surfaced from a source close to the situation, but not authorized to comment publicly.
According to the team's statement, Sasaki's shoulder issues manifested after feeling some arm soreness following his last start on May 9 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Post that outing, his average fastball velocity dropped noticeably.
Manager Dave Roberts indicated that the team is currently trying to determine whether this arm soreness is unusual for the young pitcher.
Over the season, Sasaki's velocity has dipped from his impressive 98.1 mph average fastball in his Major League debut to about 94.8 mph, with occasional drops to 92 mph, indicative of a shoulder problem affecting his pitching performance. Consequently, he currently sports an ERA of 4.72 and a 1.49 WHIP across 34.1 innings.
Due to Sasaki's injury and the Dodgers' pitching predicament, veteran Clayton Kershaw will take his place in the starting rotation for the time being, aiming to stablize the pitching staff during Sasaki's recovery.
Roki Sasaki's shoulder impingement comes as a significant blow to the Dodgers, who are grappling with the absence of other Opening Day rotation members Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow. As the team strives for playoff contention, Sasaki's injury adds to the mounting concerns over their pitching depth and overall postseason outlook.
Digging Deeper: Roki Sasaki's Injury and Lost Velocity
Rikuzentakata, Japan, where Sasaki spent his childhood, is forever etched in his memories. Rather than shy away from the pain associated with the 2011 tsunami, he has taken a proactive approach to preserve his happier memories.
Despite his initial reluctance to disclose the severity of his shoulder problems and preferring to push through the pain initially, medical scans performed on May 12 officially revealed a right shoulder impingement. This diagnosis is believed to be linked to Sasaki's ongoing struggles with maintaining his fastball velocity throughout the season.
Pitching Performance Woes
Sasaki's injury has translated into significant decreases in pitching effectiveness. With a dropping average fastball velocity, his ERA stands at 4.72, and his WHIP currently hovers at 1.49. This performance is a stark contrast to his impressive debut, where he consistently clocked velocities above 98 mph.
Impact on the Dodgers' Season
As the third Opening Day rotation member to land on the IL, Sasaki's injury further strains the Dodgers' pitching staff, just as they gear up for a critical part of their season. Without a clear timetable for his return, the team will rely on Clayton Kershaw to temporarily fill Sasaki's vacant spot in the rotation.
Considering Sasaki's status as an ace and the Dodgers' playoff aspirations, his absence creates a daunting challenge for the team's rotational depth and overall postseason prospects. The Dodgers will need to find innovative solutions to mitigate the impact of Sasaki's injury to keep their playoff dreams alive.
In the face of Roki Sasaki's right shoulder impingement, the Los Angeles Dodgers are left to contend with a reduced pitching staff. Sasaki, previously boasting an average fastball velocity of 98.1 mph, has seen his speed drop to 94.8 mph since the injury, leading to an ERA of 4.72 and a 1.49 WHIP. The team has called upon veteran Clayton Kershaw to temporarily replace Sasaki in the starting rotation while they navigate Sasaki's recovery and the subsequent strain on their pitching depth, as the Dodgers aim for a successful postseason run.
