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The recovery process of Roki Sasaki keeps the Los Angeles Dodgers on tenterhooks, but there is hope that the young Japanese pitcher, considered one of the greatest pitching prospects in Major League Baseball, will begin his pitching progression next week.
According to a report by Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, manager Dave Roberts confirmed that the recovery process is on track, although there is no precise date for his return.
"Roki Sasaki's shoulder has improved enough that he will begin a throwing program next week," revealed Dave Roberts, in what looks like a first step to return and be healthy for the second half of the season, especially for the home stretch.
Sasaki faces challenges in his first year in MLB
Sasaki, 23, ed the Dodgers as one of the most coveted free agents of the winter. However, his adaptation to Major League Baseball has not been easy. In his first eight starts, he posted a 4.72 ERA with 24 strikeouts and 22 walks. That was compounded by a shoulder injury that interrupted his season just as he was looking to establish himself in the rotation.
Despite the ups and downs, in Los Angeles there is no doubt about his potential and this injury break could be used by the Japanese right-hander to recalibrate and refocus, as his arsenal includes an explosive fastball and other pitches have earned him comparisons with the best arms in the circuit.
While Sasaki works on his recovery, the Dodgers are also keeping a close eye on another of their stars: Shohei Ohtani, who this weekend threw his first live batting bullpen, suggesting that his return to the mound could be just around the corner, with everything pointing to it being after the All-Star Game.
With both Eastern talents on their way back, the Dodgers could significantly strengthen their rotation, which also already has veteran Clayton Kershaw back in the fold, who is in the process of regaining rhythm, while they are still waiting for the other two injured starters: Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow.