Sasaki Roki is determined to play in a minor league rehab game, and the team is interested in re-signing Joe Kelly.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Japanese right-hander Sasaki Roki has been on the injured list since early May and has been recovering for nearly three months. However, Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts shared on a program today about his progress in rehabilitation, hoping he can return to the team by late August.

Sasaki Roki has only appeared in 8 games this year, entering the injured list in early May due to right shoulder impingement syndrome. Although he has not yet returned to the team, there has been progress in his recovery. He resumed bullpen sessions in mid-July, and Roberts stated that Roki will next train in Arizona for live batting practice. Regarding upcoming plans, he said, "To return to the major leagues, he needs to increase his innings and pitch count, so he must participate in rehab games."

Roberts also mentioned that Shohei Ohtani's situation is different from Sasaki Roki's, as Ohtani is a special case because we need him to hit; his batting is essential for the team." As for Roki, after completing live batting practice, he is expected to pitch 2 to 3 starts in the minor leagues, with a projected return to the team at the end of August.

The Dodgers currently have a solid starting rotation, including Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Clayton Kershaw, Emmet Sheehan, Dustin May, and Tyler Glasnow, all maintaining regular appearances. Currently, Blake Snell is in the minor leagues for rehab and is expected to return this week.

The Dodgers' bullpen is under pressure, and American media reports that the 37-year-old former relief pitcher Joe Kelly, who wore number 17, may rejoin the Dodgers' bullpen.

Kelly played for the Dodgers for five seasons and originally wore number 17. However, after the Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani, Kelly relinquished his number. Ohtani's return to the team was a notable story, as Kelly's major league career spanned 13 seasons, during which he pitched 147.2 innings for the Dodgers with a 3.72 ERA and 175 strikeouts. In the 2024 season, he only appeared in 35 games and pitched 32 innings due to recurring right shoulder injuries, with his last game for the Dodgers on September 27.

Due to the instability of two veterans in the Dodgers' lineup, including Tanner Scott with a 4.14 ERA, who recently entered the injured list due to left elbow inflammation, and Kirby Yates with 31.1 innings and a 4.31 ERA, the coaching staff's confidence has been shaken.