Earlier this season, the Los Angeles were preparing pitcher Loki Sasaki for the rest of the year.
The placed the right-handed rookie on the list injured in a shoulder collision after just eight starts. Los Angeles moved Sasaki to a 60-day IL on June 20th, but has since received a positive update on the 23-year-old recovery.
“Loki is doing well. He’s got through the All-Star break,” manager Dave Roberts told the Orange County register on Friday. “Everything I heard was positive, so I hope I can continue to build him, play some batters and get him to compete again.”
More news: seeking bullpen help at trade deadline due to Tanner Scott’s struggle: Report
Los Angeles initially suspended Sasaki’s pitching progress in mid-June. However, he resumed his slow bullpen sessions, reportedly reaching up to 90 mph in those sessions.
The are now hoping Sasaki will return in late August.
Sasaki was one of the most popular free agents on the market this offseason. The Japanese native ultimately decided to start his MLB career with the , receiving a $6.5 million signature bonus on the deal.
Sasaki struggled in his first MLB start, scoring a 4.72 ERA while allowing 29 hits and 18 runs in 34.1 innings. The wanted him to find his groove, but then Sasaki maintained a shoulder injury and has been on the sidelines ever since.
In addition to Sasaki, the signature of starting pitcher Blakesnell doesn’t reveal how the wanted it. Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award recipient, has signed a five-year, $182 million contract with Los Angeles.
Snell made two starts before landing on IL with inflammation in his left shoulder. 2018 American League All-Star has held an ERA 2.00 and four strikeouts in nine innings this season.
Snell has taken steps towards returning at the end of the month and began his second rehabilitation on Tuesday. He began another rehabilitation at Triple A Oklahoma City on Sunday, earning one run with four hits on six strikeouts.
More news: The top prospects worked with Juan Soto and Ellie de la Cruz to get better in the offseason
Photo credit: Rick Scuteri-Immagn Image
Have you joined us? Mismatch Channel still? Be part of the ultimate Snation community and get VIP Nation Access! Don’t miss out on real-time stories, call-in access to the dugout, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, gifts and more!