The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the 2025 season with high hopes, boasting a star-studded roster anchored by the dynamic two-way player Shohei Ohtani and a deep pitching staff. However, the recent injury to rookie right-hander Roki Sasaki has cast a shadow over their rotation depth, raising concerns about whether the Dodgers can maintain their dominance in the fiercely competitive National League West.
Sasaki, who made his major league debut this season after transitioning from Japan, has shown flashes of brilliance despite an uneven start. Through early June, he posted a 1-1 record with a 4.72 ERA, a 1.49 WHIP, and 24 strikeouts, demonstrating his potential as a frontline starter. Unfortunately, since May 9, Sasaki has been sidelined with a shoulder impingement that manager Dave Roberts described as “tightness” and “discomfort,” though it remains unclear if pain is the primary issue. Roberts candidly admitted, “I don’t know if it’s pain… it’s more a question Roki, to be honest,” underscoring the uncertainty surrounding his recovery timeline.
The Dodgers’ pitching staff was already dealing with significant challenges. Besides Sasaki’s injury, key starters Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow remain on the injured list. This trio’s absence has put immense pressure on the rest of the rotation and bullpen to carry the load. The Dodgers currently sit atop the NL West with a 39-27 record, holding a slim two-game lead over the San Francisco Giants, but their margin for error is narrowing.
Amid these setbacks, Shohei Ohtani’s gradual return to pitching duties offers a glimmer of hope. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in September 2023 and a left shoulder labrum procedure in November, Ohtani has been cautiously ramping up his workload. He recently completed a simulated game throwing 44 pitches and is expected to rejoin the rotation soon, likely after the All-Star break. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of patience, noting, “We need him to be healthy… It doesn’t have to be a full buildup because he can give us something additive” even in limited innings.
Ohtani’s offensive production remains elite, with a .293 batting average, 23 home runs, 39 RBIs, and a 1.021 OPS, ranking fourth in the league. His bat alone provides a significant boost while his pitching arm continues to heal. However, the Dodgers are keenly aware that his full pitching impact is still months away, and they cannot rely solely on his bat to carry the pitching staff.
The Dodgers’ depth beyond their injured stars is being tested. Young arms and bullpen arms have been asked to step up, but the loss of Sasaki’s potential innings and strikeout ability is a blow. As Roberts put it, the team must “prepare for a season without Roki Sasaki for the rest of the year,” which means reconfiguring the rotation and bullpen roles to compensate.
In summary, while the Dodgers are not in immediate crisis mode, Sasaki’s injury adds to a growing list of pitching concerns that could jeopardize their postseason aspirations if not addressed. The team’s ability to stay competitive hinges on Ohtani’s successful return to the mound, the health of other starters, and contributions from depth pitchers. As Roberts noted, “Any contribution from Shohei would be beneficial,” but the Dodgers must navigate the next few months carefully to maintain their edge in a tight division race.
The Dodgers’ front office and coaching staff face a critical balancing act: pushing for wins now while managing injuries prudently. The road ahead is challenging, but with Ohtani’s impending return and strategic adjustments, the Dodgers remain a formidable contender if they can weather the storm without Sasaki.
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