The Los Angeles Dodgers brought Roki Sasaki into the season with high expectations. Nicknamed the “Monster of the Reiwa Era” in Japan, Sasaki arrived in MLB with a reputation: an electrifying 102.5 mph fastball, a nasty splitter, and a playbook to become the next Japanese star in L.A. after Shohei Ohtani.
But after just eight starts, the hype has come to a halt. Sasaki was injured and placed on the 15-day IL on May 13. And in a grim new update, manager Dave Roberts told reporters that the rookie could be sidelined for a long time.
What is Roki Sasaki’s injury?
The Dodgers placed Roki Sasaki on the 15-day injured list, with a right shoulder impingement, as reported then by MLB.com’s Kyle Glaser.
Sasaki likely sustained the injury in his last start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 9. There were signs previously that he might have been carrying the injury for a while before it could not be ignored.
For instance, his fastball velocity came down from his season average of 96 mph, and then he allowed five hits and five runs in four innings pitched without recording a single strikeout.
Rōki Sasaki is done after 61 pitches #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/HsKqDVJgab
— Lucasparmenter23 (@Lucasparmenter0) March 30, 2025
Before being placed on the IL, he completed eight starts, posting a 4.72 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 34.1 innings pitched this season.
More: Shohei Ohtani’s Admission Raises Fresh Doubts About Dodgers’ Pitching Timeline
Sasaki’s injury has been diagnosed as a shoulder impingement, a common issue for MLB pitchers. According to baseball durability expert Ryan Crotin, the condition happens when the upper arm bone pinches the rotator cuff muscle fibers against the back of the shoulder blade.
That “crushing” typically occurs during the late cocking and early acceleration phases of the throwing motion, when the arm is in an extreme position of abduction and external rotation.
Dodgers Manager Provides Latest Sasaki Injury Update
“We have to plan on life without him at least this year, that’s fair to say,” Roberts told reporters per Dodgers Nation, when asked if the club needs to prepare for a season without the rookie.
“We have to plan on life without him at least this year, that’s fair to say.”
– Dave Roberts on if the Dodgers have to prepare for Roki Sasaki not being a part of their long-term plan this season.
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) June 15, 2025
The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya reported that Sasaki has stopped throwing as part of his rehab process in the last few days.
“Sasaki still doesn’t feel comfortable with his shoulder throwing with intensity,” Ardaya wrote. “Won’t go for new testing, but sure sounds like it’s an if, not when he is back this year from Roberts’ comments.”
What’s Next for the Dodgers After Sasaki’s Injury Update?
With Sasaki out, possibly for the season, the Dodgers’ rotation depth continues to take a major hit. Their rotation has already been plagued by injuries, resulting in a 4.19 ERA that ranks 22nd in the league.
With the July trade deadline a few weeks away, the Dodgers’ front office might be forced into action if they feel the pitching injury crisis threatens championship hopes. For now, L.A. sits atop the NL West, but the real challenge will begin come October.