Full Breakdown
Roki Sasaki’s Blister Forces Early Exit and Injured-List Placement
8/27/2026, 8:30:49 AM
Game Exit and Immediate Impact
In a late-August matchup against the Atlanta Braves, Dodgers starter Roki Sasaki left the game in the fourth inning after delivering 66 pitches. He had allowed four earned runs on four hits, issued two walks and struck out three over 3.1 innings. The Dodgers retained a one-run lead when he departed, but the Braves rallied to win 6-5 on a walk-off hit. Sasaki’s removal was prompted by a blister on the middle finger of his throwing hand.
Recent Performance and Season Statistics
Since the All-Star break, Sasaki had posted a 2.31 ERA across six starts, striking out 34 batters in 35 innings, and had not surrendered more than three runs in a start since July 8. Season-long ERA figures differ among sources: one report lists a 4.42 ERA, while another cites a 4.60 ERA over 23 starts. Both agree that his overall season has been inconsistent but that he had been “putting it all together” in the month and a half preceding the injury.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that the blister was “severe enough” to warrant placement on the injured list. He noted that trainers, accompanied by pitching coach Mark Prior, evaluated Sasaki on the mound before the decision to pull him. Roberts indicated the Dodgers will rely on depth in the rotation, citing right-handers Tyler Glasnow, Tarik Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Blake Snell, as well as bullpen arm Eric Lauer, who could shift into a starting role.
What’s Next
Sasaki is expected to miss at least the next two weeks. Eric Lauer is slated to start in his place next week, and the club may consider left-hander Justin Wrobleski for a rotation spot once he returns from his own injury. Shohei Ohtani is also anticipated to rejoin the lineup shortly, providing additional flexibility.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was a pretty good blister. It just came out of nowhere,” — Dave Roberts, manager
- “When I was facing the first hitter in the fourth inning, I actually didn’t feel anything coming beforehand,” — Roki Sasaki
