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4d ago

Roki Sasaki Stumbles in First Triple-A Rehab Start, Dodgers Push Back Return

His two-inning outing featured diminished fastball velocity with three earned runs recorded without a strikeout, leading the Dodgers to require another extended minor-league start before targeting a late-August or September recall.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 28: Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on in the dugout prior to a game against the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium on April 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
Aug 8, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) throws before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Aug 8, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) throws before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Sasaki needed 41 pitches to retire six batters over two innings in his Triple-A debut for the Oklahoma City Comets.
  • He surrendered three runs on six hits, issued one walk and failed to record a strikeout during the outing.
  • His fastball averaged 93.6 mph and topped out at 95.7 mph, down from the 96–97 mph he showed in a recent simulated game.
  • Pitch tracking revealed zero swings-and-misses on his four-seam fastball, prompting analysts to question his current effectiveness.
  • Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has established a five-inning/75-pitch benchmark for Sasaki’s next appearance before considering him for a late-season major-league return.