Roki Sasaki's return as a starting pitcher is considered "quite challenging," says Dodgers' manager: no plans yet to move him to the bullpen.

During an interview with Japanese media today, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts discussed Roki Sasaki's rehab progress in Triple-A and frankly admitted that a return to the major league starting rotation would be "quite difficult."

On September 3rd, Sasaki took the mound for his fourth rehab game in Triple-A, pitching five innings, allowing three hits and four runs. He surrendered two home runs in the first inning, with his top velocity dropping to around 155.9 km/h, noticeably slower than his previous two outings. Roberts noted, "Sasaki's velocity hasn't fully returned, and his control is still inconsistent. This year is about learning and gaining experience for him. Although he has learned a lot, he is not yet fully ready at this stage."

Regarding Sasaki's pitching, Roberts further analyzed: "Although he can throw a 99 mph (approximately 159.3 km/h) fastball, his control is unstable, forcing him to reduce speed to get strikes. Given his ability and talent, he should be able to dominate hitters in Triple-A. If he can't do that at this level, it will be even tougher against major league hitters." Currently, the Dodgers' starting rotation includes pitchers such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Emmet Sheehan. Roberts hopes Sasaki views this as a challenge to earn a starting spot, "but with many pitchers performing well on the team, he needs to show impressive results to break into the rotation."

As for whether Sasaki might be considered for a bullpen role, Roberts clearly stated, "That is not being considered at this time." He intends to have Sasaki continue working in Triple-A to make progress and aim for a return to the major leagues as a starting pitcher.