Summary
The Los Angeles Dodgers have decided to use pitcher Rōki Sasaki as a relief pitcher for now. This change comes as the team prepares for the postseason and has a full lineup of starting pitchers. Sasaki has been recovering from a shoulder injury and will need to adapt to this new role to join the postseason team.
Key Facts
- The Dodgers signed Rōki Sasaki, originally from Japan, in the offseason.
- Sasaki had challenges early in his Major League Baseball (MLB) career, with a 4.72 ERA through eight games.
- He injured his shoulder and has been recovering in Triple-A, a minor league.
- For the playoffs, the Dodgers plan to use a three-man starting rotation.
- Sasaki will pitch in relief on Thursday's game, which means he will not start and will enter the game later.
- This is Sasaki's first experience playing as a relief pitcher.
- With starting pitchers like Shohei Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw ahead of him, Sasaki's postseason chance is in the bullpen.
- Clayton Kershaw's upcoming retirement might lead to a bigger role for Sasaki next season.
