Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Roki Sasaki made just eight starts in his MLB career before being sidelined by an injury.

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The international phenom explained the right shoulder impingement that he is dealing with is similar to an issue he had last season in Nippon Professional Baseball.

“I did have something similar, but actually worse, and it was something that I was able to overcome and still perform,” Sasaki said through an interpreter.

Sasaki has a 4.42 ERA and 1.485 WHIP across eight starts this season. In the rookie’s last start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he appeared to take a step backward when he gave up five earned runs, two walks, and threw zero strikeouts across four-plus innings

The right-hander’s fastball that was once so electric overseas did not draw a single whiff against the Diamondbacks.

Sasaaki has yet to look like the Japanese fireballer with an unhittable splitter from NPB; however, he plans on utilizing the time on the IL to regroup before he takes the mound again in 2025.

“I do feel like this is a good time to do that, so I want to make sure that I’m fully healthy and to be able to address anything that I had so that it leads to better performance,” Sasaki said.

Sasaki gave up a combined eight earned runs and four walks in his last two starts. The right-hander’s command, or lack thereof, is of much concern, but the injury likely is a huge factor as to why Sasaki encountered that issue.

“The last two outings especially I wasn’t quite happy with the overall performance,” Sasaki said.

“Just looking at the team and where the team situation was, I wanted to really help the team in any way, shape or form. So with that being said, the last two outings haven’t been up to par to where I want it to be.”

While the Dodgers have three starters that were a part of the Opening Day rotation on the IL, the time away could help Sasaki recalibrate before pitching again.

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Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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