Roki Sasaki expected to rejoin Dodgers starting rotation

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki is expected to rejoin the starting rotation as early as Sunday. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that Sasaki will remain in the rotation through the end of the regular season, helping to maintain the team’s six-man rotation during the absences of Shohei Ohtani and Eric Lauer.

Sasaki has shown significant improvement following a period of struggle characterized by high walk rates and a high ERA. Since the All-Star break, he has gone 2-0 in seven starts with an ERA just over 3.00. His performance in the postseason previously included a highly effective stint as a reliever, where he posted a 0.84 ERA in 10.6 innings.

In a related development, the Chicago Cubs are transitioning pitcher Edward Cabrera to a bullpen role. Cubs manager Craig Counsell cited Sasaki’s successful transition from a struggling starter to an elite reliever as a roadmap for Cabrera. Cabrera, who was recently activated from the injured list, expressed a positive mentality regarding the opportunity to help the team from the bullpen.