Dodgers head coach Dave Roberts confirms a key player’s potential season-ending injury

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is doing everything in his power to secure a World Series title this year. He has crafted an exceptional game plan with the Dodgers, who currently sit atop the NL West standings with a significant lead over the San Francisco Giants.

Despite a series victory over the Giants on Sunday, Roberts expressed his frustration regarding the status of a player who has been sidelined with an injury for the past few weeks. While the player’s performance has not been particularly outstanding as he acclimates to Major League Baseball, his impact on the team against other franchises was noteworthy.

Although his statistics haven’t been remarkable, he is committed to the challenge of becoming a stellar player in his first MLB season, having joined the Dodgers this year from Japan. If you guessed that the player is Roki Sasaki, you are correct.

The Japanese sensation faced a challenging start with the Dodgers due to a shoulder injury. Despite his efforts to get back on the mound in recent days, Roberts candidly addressed Sasaki’s potential return. “We have to plan on life without him at least this year, that’s fair to say,” Roberts told the media.

Sasaki’s injury

After signing with the Dodgers in January 2025 and earning a spot on their Opening Day roster, Sasaki began his MLB career on a positive note, even securing his first major league win on May 3. However, concerns arose as his performance started to decline, and reports indicated a noticeable drop in his fastball velocity.

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On May 13, 2025, Sasaki was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder impingement. This setback is reminiscent of an injury he suffered during his final season in Japan in 2024, although Sasaki has assured fans that the current injury is “actually less severe.”

The Dodgers face a daunting challenge without Sasaki in their rotation as they pursue a World Series title, seeking to become one of the few teams to win the Commissioners’ Trophy in consecutive years.

Dodgers, ready for upcoming challenges

Without Sasaki, the Dodgers’ roster must navigate the regular season’s challenges. Led by superstar Shohei Ohtani, the team is poised to be the frontrunner in the NL West and make a strong push for the postseason. However, the road ahead is far from easy. Fortunately, with Freddie Freeman poised for a standout performance and other key players like Mookie Betts in top form, the Dodgers are resolute in their quest to reclaim the title this year.