Sasaki Roki's fastball velocity rebounded during his second rehab start.

Today, Los Angeles Dodgers’ Japanese rookie right-hander Sasaki Roki took the mound for his second rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City, hoping to return from a right shoulder impingement that has kept him out of action for more than three months.

The 23-year-old, who joined the Dodgers from Japan last offseason, pitched 3.1 innings (60 pitches) against Tacoma, giving up three hits, allowing two runs (one earned), issuing three walks, and striking out two batters.

In his first rehab appearance last Friday, Sasaki threw 41 pitches, surrendered six hits and three runs, and failed to record an out in the third inning. He walked one batter and did not strike out anyone. His velocity appeared to dip, with his fastball averaging 93.6 mph, but today it climbed back above 96 mph, topping out at 97.8 mph (157 km/h).

Prior to his injury, Sasaki posted a 4.72 ERA in eight MLB starts, with a FIP of 6.18, a walk rate of 14.3%, and a strikeout rate of 15.6%. The Dodgers hope to increase his workload during rehab and build up his confidence, which they felt was lacking when he first faced major league competition.

With other starting pitchers returning from injury and the Dodgers using a six-man rotation, the team can afford to give Sasaki more time for rehab to achieve these goals.