Roki Sasaki is recovering from a shoulder injury, with the Los Angeles Dodgers prioritizing his long-term health in his rookie season. Sasaki is expected to return in August after developing a two-seam fastball in his training. Manager Dave Roberts noted that this new pitch enhances Sasaki's ability to achieve ground ball outs. The influence of Shohei Ohtani and coaching staff is contributing to Sasaki's pitch variation, promoting unpredictability in his performance on the mound.
Dave Roberts relayed that the new pitch gives him a better opportunity to get early-count ground ball outs.
Having some variance with his fastballs also should enable Sasaki to be a bit more diverse and unpredictable with his presentation.
It's probably a combination of the pitching coaches, probably watching Shohei [Ohtani], probably watching major league hitters.
The Dodgers have been extremely cautious in working Sasaki back from injury given the fact it's his introductory season in the big leagues.
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