Home / Sports / Sasaki Returns: Dodgers Shift Ace to Bullpen Role
Sasaki Returns: Dodgers Shift Ace to Bullpen Role
23 Sep
Summary
- Roki Sasaki activated by Dodgers after finger blister injury.
- Emmet Sheehan optioned to Triple-A for playoff game start.
- Sasaki will pitch in a bullpen role for final six games.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have activated Roki Sasaki from the 15-day injured list, reassigning pitcher Emmet Sheehan to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Sasaki returns after a three-week absence due to a blister on his right hand's middle finger. The injury was considered minor, and the team was cautious with his recovery.
Sasaki's activation comes with just six games left in the Dodgers' regular season. He will transition to a bullpen role, a move influenced by Blake Snell's recovery from a groin issue. Manager Dave Roberts indicated Sasaki could pitch in save situations, leveraging his experience.
Emmet Sheehan was optioned after a solid 5.1-inning relief appearance against the San Francisco Giants, striking out nine. He is expected to start a playoff game for the Comets on Saturday. Sheehan's recall earlier had been a corresponding move for Tarik Skubal's bereavement leave, which allows up to seven days away.
