Spanish
United States. —Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Roki Sasaki returned to action this Thursday in a rehabilitation start with the Triple-A team Oklahoma City, after being out since May 9 due to a right shoulder impingement.
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Sasaki needed 41 pitches to complete two innings, but failed to retire the first two batters of the third inning. The Japanese pitcher allowed six hits, gave up a walk and conceded three runs, without recording strikeouts in his outing against the Albuquerque Isotopes. As for his repertoire, Sasaki's slider averaged 93.6 mph, reaching a maximum of 95.7 mph. A week earlier, in a three-inning simulated game, his velocity had been between 96-97 mph. The Dodgers' plan was for the rookie to complete three innings in this outing. Once he manages to reach five innings or 75 pitches, the club will evaluate his incorporation into the Major League roster, possibly at the end of August or the beginning of September. Sasaki, who debuted this year with high expectations, had a rough start in MLB, recording an ERA of 4.72 in eight starts before going on the injured list on May 13. During his absence, he worked on mechanical adjustments and adding a two-seam pitch to his repertoire, although he didn't use it in this outing. Manager Dave Roberts has pointed out that the priority in this process is for Sasaki to regain confidence and consistency. Although the Los Angeles rotation currently has Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell back, Sasaki's return could represent an additional key piece for the final stretch of the season, especially in the divisional race against the San Diego Padres. Also, Michael Kopech, also in rehabilitation after knee surgery, pitched on Thursday, allowing three runs in just 0.2 innings, with two hits, two walks and two wild pitches.
