The start of the season has presented its fair share of hurdles for the Los Angeles Dodgers. As the team looks to build on championship aspirations, they’ve hit a key snag: rookie sensation Roki Sasaki is now sidelined with a right shoulder impingement. This setback raises important questions about the depth and resilience of the Dodgers’ pitching rotation.

Roki Sasaki's Setback and the Dodgers’ Response

Last Tuesday, the Dodgers placed their promising rookie, Roki Sasaki, on the injured list. The move came after Sasaki reported soreness in his pitching arm following a tough outing in Arizona. ESPN reports that Sasaki’s discomfort had built up over several weeks. Despite trying to push through for the team, medical scans confirmed the injury, prompting a cautious approach to his recovery.

Sasaki posted a 4.72 ERA through his first eight major league starts, showing flashes of brilliance but also adjusting to MLB hitters. The Dodgers’ manager, Dave Roberts, acknowledged the importance of letting Sasaki heal fully, stating, “Our goal is to get him healthy, get him strong, make sure the delivery is sound and get him to pitch for us.”

How Sasaki’s Injury Affects the Dodgers’ Rotation

The Dodgers entered 2025 with high hopes and a revamped pitching staff. With several other pitchers, including Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, already on the injured list, the loss of Sasaki tests the team’s adaptability. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Sasaki’s absence means right-hander J.P. Feyereisen has been recalled for bullpen depth, and the club may rely more on pitchers like Clayton Kershaw, who’s just returning from his own injury layoff.

The Dodgers’ commitment to Sasaki’s development remains steadfast. Roberts made it clear that learning at the major league level is critical for Sasaki. “There's nothing more impactful than going through a particular experience,” Roberts told MLB.com, emphasizing their faith in Sasaki despite early struggles with velocity and command.

Fastball Adjustments and Long-Term Outlook

Sasaki, known for his blazing fastball in Japan, has faced a drop in velocity during his MLB transition. While his splitter and slider have impressed, command issues—especially with his four-seamer—have emerged. The Dodgers are working closely with Sasaki to help him adjust, knowing that fine-tuning his arsenal is essential for long-term success.

Critically, the team understands the value of patience with young arms. As Sasaki recovers, coaches and teammates aim to support his growth both physically and mentally. In the meantime, the Dodgers will look to veteran arms and depth pitchers to maintain their competitive edge.

Conclusion: Dodgers’ Depth in the Spotlight

Injuries are an unavoidable aspect of a long MLB season. For the Dodgers, the challenge lies in how they adapt when stars like Roki Sasaki are sidelined. Fans can expect ongoing adjustments as the team tests its depth, all while aiming to keep their championship hopes alive. Stay tuned as the Dodgers’ storied resilience faces its latest test.

For more details on Sasaki’s injury and the Dodgers’ latest moves, check out ESPN’s full coverage, insight from MLB Trade Rumors, and ongoing updates at MLB.com.