Dodgers News: Sasaki and Dodgers Meeting to Discuss Next Steps this Season

LOS ANGELES, CA—After a stellar fifth start for the Triple-A OKC Comets, it may not be the end of 23-year-old Japanese rookie right-hander Roki Sasaki’s season.

Sasaki put together not only his best start in the minors on Tuesday, but possibly the best start of his Major League career in the States, tossing 4.2 innings, allowing three runs, but showcasing the elite pitches that made him a powerhouse in Japan.

The start was so good that rumors of it had reached the Dodgers in Los Angeles as the team was preparing for Game Two of a three-game series versus the Colorado Rockies.

On Wednesday, Roberts was asked in more detail about Sasaki’s start, what it means for him, the organization, and the next steps for the rookie right-hander.

“It was great for the Dodgers, great for Roki’s confidence, great for the organization,” manager Dave Roberts said of Sasaki’s most recent start.

“But mostly it was great for Roki. Just to really let it eat, let it fly, have some success and know he can be the guy he’s known to be.”

Now, Sasaki is en route to Los Angeles, where he’ll meet with Dave Roberts and likely the President of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman, and General Manager Brandon Gomes to determine the next steps of his season.

Despite the impressive start, Sasaki has posted some rather mediocre numbers with the Comets since starting his rehab, posting a 6.75 ERA across five starts.

With the Dodgers’ starting rotation returning to full strength, Sasaki would probably need to accept a bullpen role if he rejoins their active roster. Alternatively, he could remain in the Minors to pitch regularly.

“I think just to be honest with Roki, and where we’re at, where he’s at, what’s best for him and what’s best for us,” Roberts said. “I do think that question is going to be asked, because I think you can argue both.

“Whether it’s kind of getting ready for something to happen here in a starting role, or changing a role, I think it all should be on the table. We’re going to have that conversation.”

The team could add Sasaki to the bullpen, but the right-hander has never appeared there in his professional career. Does the team risk doing that with a tight division race and throwing him in a situation that’s foreign to him in October?

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