Dodgers Pitcher Roki Sasaki Halts Throwing Due Shoulder Injury, Return Uncertain

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki is facing a significant setback in his recovery from a right shoulder impingement, with no clear timeline for his return to the mound in the 2025 season. Manager Dave Roberts revealed that Sasaki has paused his throwing program due to discomfort and emphasized the need to prepare for the possibility that Sasaki might not pitch again this year. The 23-year-old Sasaki, who joined the Dodgers from Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, has struggled to adjust to MLB with control issues and a 4.72 ERA across eight starts before his injury. Despite high expectations and a strong spring training, Sasaki's injury and performance challenges have raised concerns about the Dodgers' pitching depth, although the team remains optimistic with other pitchers like Clayton Kershaw returning. Critics suggest that the Dodgers' approach to Sasaki's first MLB season may have been too aggressive, potentially contributing to his injury and hampering his long-term development. Overall, Sasaki's injury compounds the Dodgers' ongoing pitching staff difficulties, which already include multiple starters on the injured list.