# Los Angeles Dodgers pitching developments > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/los-angeles-dodgers-pitching-developments > Updated: 2026-08-27T00:13:00.000Z. Sources: 45. Developments: 2. In mid-August 2026, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Takahashi Skubal recorded a career-high 109 pitches in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite the high pitch count, Skubal suffered his seventh loss of the season. During this period, media speculation identified Roki Sasaki as a potential candidate for the team’s closer role to assist with postseason strategy. By late August, Sasaki’s involvement with the team faced complications when he was removed from an away game against the Atlanta Braves. On August 26, Sasaki exited his start midway through the fourth inning due to a blister on his right middle finger. Following the game, manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Sasaki would be placed on the 15-day injured list, noting the condition was “quite bad.” Sasaki reported the skin on his finger ripped off suddenly without warning. On August 27, the Dodgers suffered a series sweep by the Braves following a 1-0 loss. While Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched effectively for 6 1/3 innings with eight strikeouts and only one run allowed, the Dodgers' offense was shut out by Braves starter Chris Sale, who recorded his first complete-game shutout since 2019. The lone run came via a first-pitch solo home run by Drake Baldwin. This loss, combined with a struggling offense—including Shohei Ohtani going 3-for-14 during the series—narrowed the gap in the National League playoff race, with the Braves holding a one-game lead over the Dodgers for the No. 2 seed. To address the rotation vacancy caused by Sasaki’s injury, the Dodgers have recalled Seth Halvorsen and expect Eric Lauer to take a starting role. Roberts indicated Sasaki may transition to a relief role upon his return. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-27: Atlanta Braves sweep Dodgers behind Chris Sale shutout Chris Sale threw a 11-strikeout shutout to lead the Atlanta Braves to a 1-0 sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Meanwhile, Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki was placed on the injured list with a finger blister. 45 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/roki-sasaki-removed-from-dodgers-game-against-braves-due-to-injury ### 2026-08-15: Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers Skubal and Sasaki in spotlight Takahashi Skubal pitched a career-high 109 balls for the Dodgers in a recent start, while Roki Sasaki has emerged as a leading candidate to potentially serve as a closer for the team. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-dodgers-pitchers-skubal-and-sasaki-face-key-roles --- Cite as: Los Angeles Dodgers pitching developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/los-angeles-dodgers-pitching-developments