LOS ANGELES, CA—The Dodgers may soon have a big decision to make with pitcher Roki Sasaki after his most recent rehab outing. Manager Dave Roberts spoke about the right-hander and what could come next.
“You know, Roki was fantastic. He really was,” Roberts said. “From what I understand, he’s going to be flying in today and I think he’s going to sit down with people that… all of us that make decisions and figure out what’s the next step.”
What that step is remains unclear. Roberts noted the club will need to weigh whether Sasaki should continue preparing as a starter or possibly shift into a different role.
“I think just to be honest with Roki and kind of where we’re at, where he’s at, what’s best for him, what’s best for us… I do think that question is going to be asked,” Roberts explained. “Because you can argue both — whether it’s getting ready for something to happen here in a starting role or changing a role. I think it’s all on the table and we’re going to have that conversation.”
Sasaki’s outing was viewed as a major positive. “It was great for the Dodgers, great for Roki’s confidence, great for the organization, but mostly it was great for Roki,” Roberts said. “Just to really let it eat, let it fly, have some success, and know that he can be the guy that he’s known to be.”
As for whether Sasaki could help the Dodgers this season and possibly in October, Roberts made it clear more evaluation is needed. “We’d have to see it here,” he said. “We still have time, but we’ve got to make a decision at some point in the next couple weeks.”
For now, Sasaki’s rehab progress has put him firmly in the conversation — and the Dodgers must soon decide how and when he might fit into their plans.
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