2025: When Will 6'4' Rōki Sasaki Pitch Again Out of the Dodgers’ Bullpen? #rokisasaki #rokiNEW

As of October 12, 2025, Rōki Sasaki continues to thrive in his postseason bullpen role for the Los Angeles Dodgers. After returning from a shoulder injury in late September, Sasaki quickly established himself as the team’s top late-inning weapon. He pitched a perfect ninth inning in the Wild Card round against Cincinnati, then followed with dominant saves in Games 1 and 2 of the NLDS vs. Philadelphia, consistently hitting 100-101 mph. Though not officially named closer, manager Dave Roberts has leaned on Sasaki in the highest-leverage situations, effectively making him the de facto closer. His presence, alongside a healthy bullpen and stars like Shohei Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw available in relief, has significantly strengthened the Dodgers’ October pitching staff heading into the NLCS.

Los Angeles Dodgers - Rōki Sasaki: Updated Status (as of October 7, 2025)
Rōki Sasaki is currently serving as the Dodgers’ de facto closer in the postseason. He recorded saves in Games 1 and 2 of the NLDS vs. Philadelphia, touching 100-101 mph. While not officially designated as closer, his dominant performance has positioned him as the top option for the high-leverage ninth inning alongside a healthy bullpen rotation.

Los Angeles Dodgers - Rōki Sasaki: Updated Status (as of October 2, 2025)
Rōki Sasaki has returned from the 60-day injured list and already made a postseason impact. He pitched a perfect ninth inning in the Wild Card round against the Reds, reaching 101 mph and striking out two. The Dodgers have added him to their playoff bullpen, and while not officially named closer, his dominant showing suggests he could take on that role. With Sasaki, Shohei Ohtani, and Clayton Kershaw all available in relief, the Dodgers’ October bullpen looks much stronger heading into the NLDS.

Los Angeles Dodgers - Rōki Sasaki: Updated Status (as of September 25, 2025)
Rōki Sasaki has been activated from the 60-day injured list and immediately made his presence felt in his first game back, pitching a scoreless inning with two strikeouts and reaching nearly 100 mph on the radar gun. After missing most of the season with a shoulder injury, Sasaki showed the same dominant stuff he flashed during his Triple-A rehab stint, where he consistently sat in the upper-90s and logged clean innings. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Sasaki will continue pitching out of the bullpen over the final regular season games as the Dodgers prepare their postseason roster. With Shohei Ohtani healthy and Clayton Kershaw expected to work in relief, Sasaki’s successful return adds a powerful weapon to the Dodgers’ October plans.

Video: Roki Sasaki’s relief appearance for the Dodgers (he came out of the bullpen) on September 24, 2025.

Los Angeles Dodgers Rōki Sasaki - Updated Status (as of September 20, 2025)
Rōki Sasaki is taking a big step toward rejoining the Los Angeles Dodgers just in time for the postseason. After missing several months with a shoulder injury and spending time refining his delivery and command, Sasaki is now pitching out of the bullpen for Triple-A Oklahoma City in what manager Dave Roberts called a “trial run.” If he continues to show progress and maintains his triple-digit fastball velocity, he is expected to be activated and used as a reliever for the Dodgers during the playoffs. With Shohei Ohtani healthy and Clayton Kershaw gearing up for his final postseason, Sasaki’s return could give the Dodgers an extra weapon as they fight for the NL West crown and prepare for October baseball.

Los Angeles Dodgers Rōki Sasaki - Updated Status (as of September 13, 2025)
Latest News & Timeline
As of today, September 13, 2025, Sasaki is nearing a return to the Dodgers. He is currently rehabbing with Triple-A Oklahoma City and recently made his fifth rehab start. In that outing, he threw 4- innings, struck out eight batters, walked four, allowed three runs on three hits, and threw 90 pitches (52 for strikes). His fastball averaged 98.6 mph, with several pitches hitting triple digits, showing a major increase in velocity compared to earlier rehab outings. He also generated 16 swinging strikes, a season-high for him.

What Was Wrong
Early in the season, Sasaki struggled with control issues, walking almost as many batters as he struck out through his first eight starts. His fastball velocity was lower than expected, sitting in the mid-90s instead of regularly touching 100 mph, which left him more hittable. In May, he was placed on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement, which paused his season while he worked through a careful throwing program to rebuild strength and command.

Adjustments & Strategy
The Dodgers have taken a cautious approach, focusing on health first, then command and velocity. Sasaki’s fastball is now back near its top speed, and the team is monitoring how he recovers from each outing. Given the Dodgers’ deep rotation - with Yamamoto, Snell, Glasnow, Ohtani, Kershaw, and Sheehan all available - there may not be an immediate opening for Sasaki as a starter. The team is considering using him in a bullpen or long-relief role for the rest of the season to ease him back without overloading him.

What to Expect Next
Sasaki may get one more rehab start before being activated. If everything goes well, he could rejoin the Dodgers before the end of September and contribute during the playoff push. The exact role - starter or bullpen - will depend on his readiness and the team’s needs.

Latest news: Possible Sept 2025 return to the mound.  
Dodgers rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki, sidelined since early May with a shoulder injury, is making progress in his throwing program and could return by late August, according to manager Dave Roberts. Once a top Rookie of the Year contender, Sasaki has been throwing bullpens pain-free and is gradually rebuilding strength. Meanwhile, the Dodgers made notable MLB Draft picks, selecting Arkansas teammates Zachary Root and Charles Davalan with back-to-back picks, along with Florida State pitcher Cam Leiter and Cincinnati outfielder Landyn Vidourek. As the team regroups after the All-Star break, Tyler Glasnow is set to start Friday, Shohei Ohtani will pitch soon after, and Clayton Kershaw will appear in the All-Star Game as the National League’s Legend Pick.

Jan 22, 2025: Roki Sasaki to the Dodgers Official Press Conference! On January 22, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers held an official press conference to introduce their newest pitcher, Roki Sasaki. The highly anticipated event celebrated the addition of the talented Japanese star to the Dodgers' roster, marking a significant milestone in the team's efforts to strengthen their pitching lineup. Sasaki expressed his excitement about joining the Dodgers and competing in Major League Baseball, while team representatives highlighted his impressive skills and potential to make an immediate impact. The signing has generated excitement among fans and solidified the Dodgers' commitment to excellence.

Roki's Press Conference


Jan 17, 2025. 4:00 pm: Japanese ace Roki Sasaki has officially signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the reigning World Series champions. Known for his remarkable talent and record-breaking pitches, Sasaki's addition is expected to strengthen the Dodgers' already formidable roster as they aim to defend their title in the upcoming season.


Roki Sasaki is a rising star in Japanese baseball.
Here's the Scoop:
• He's a Japanese phenom: Sasaki is a young (born in 2001) pitcher for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) 
• He throws heat: Back in high school, he broke the Japanese high school record with a fastball clocked at 101 mph!
• Dominating Debut: In 2022, he threw a perfect game and tied the NPB record for strikeouts in a single game 

Why All The attention?
• MLB Bound?: Sasaki has expressed a desire to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) someday, and his talent has scouts drooling.
• Age Restriction: There are rules about young players coming to MLB, so it might be a few years before he makes the jump.
• Heating Up Competition: In the meantime, MLB teams are keeping a close eye on him, with the Yankees, LA Dodgers, and Mets being some of the clubs that sent scouts to see his recent starts.

While he might not be in MLB yet, Roki Sasaki is a name to remember for the future!

Title
2025: 6'4' Roki Sasaki Signs with Los Angeles Dodgers: Japanese Ace Agrees to Deal with World Series Champs (Video)