Dodgers Place Rookie Pitcher Roki Sasaki on Injured List With Shoulder Issue Amid Rotation Crisis

The Los Angeles Dodgers have added rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki to the injured list due to a right shoulder impingement, marking another setback for their struggling starting rotation. Sasaki, who had a 4.72 ERA with declining fastball velocity this season, joins other injured starters Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, while Clayton Kershaw is set to return soon. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged ongoing concerns about Sasaki’s shoulder and mechanics, emphasizing the team’s cautious approach to his recovery. Despite Sasaki's inconsistencies and injury, the Dodgers remain in first place in the National League West, relying heavily on pitchers like Tony Gonsolin and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to stabilize the rotation. The team’s significant payroll and depth have been tested early this season, having already used 11 different starters in 41 games. With multiple pitchers expected to return later in the season, the Dodgers hope their rotation will regain its formidable strength once fully healthy.