Roki Sasaki's Rehab Assignment: Velocity Concerns and Mental Hurdles

Why this matters: Sasaki was a highly touted $6 million offseason signing for the Dodgers. His struggles to regain his form impact the Dodgers' pitching depth as they approach the postseason.

Roki Sasaki's journey back to the Los Angeles Dodgers has been filled with challenges. After landing on the injured list in May with a right shoulder impingement, the focus shifted to his rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City. While his velocity showed some improvement in his third start, it remains below the levels he displayed in Japan.

Adding to the physical challenges, Sasaki faces a mental hurdle, as noted by pitching coach Mark Prior. The mental aspect of recovering from an injury can be significant, impacting a player's confidence and performance. The Dodgers are hopeful that Sasaki can overcome these challenges and return stronger next season.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Dodgers can no longer count on Sasaki to help them down the stretch, due to his diminished velocity and lack of swing-and-misses on his fastball during rehab starts. This is a blow to the Dodgers, who were counting on Sasaki to contribute to their pitching staff.

Sasaki had a 4.72 ERA through 34.1 innings pitched before landing on the injured list.

The primary objective is to build Sasaki up to a starter's workload and ensure he returns with the conviction to attack hitters.

Do you think Roki Sasaki will overcome his velocity concerns and mental hurdles? Let us know in the comments!

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