Mailbag Monday: Roki Sasaki to minors?
Answering your questions!
Happy Monday, everyone!
The first week of the season is in the books. The Dodgers are 5-0 and their quest for a perfect season is still alive.
Thanks to everyone who asked questions in the mailbag this week. If you’d like to ask a question for a future mailbag, make sure to subscribe and stay tuned on Sunday night for when you can ask away anything!
Adrian Minjarez — Do you think the staff is cautious this year with Glasnow’s approach so he’s pitching meaningful innings in September/hopefully October
I think the Dodgers did a pretty good job with him last season. Of his 22 starts, Glasnow surpassed 100 pitches in only four of them and his max was 104 pitches. They didn’t push him longer than he needed to go. I think his injury last year was just bad luck. He already pitched the most innings in his career and was on track to throw 175+ innings. I don’t think anyone expected his injury to be season ending. I’m optimistic that Glasnow will be able to stay healthy all season with LA! At least — I really, really hope so.
Andrew Countis — I know this is a bit random, but is there anything else that the organization could do to honor Orel Hershiser?
I wonder if we have forgotten to some extent how historically dominant he was in leading the Dodgers to the championship in 1988. No disrespect to Kirk Gibson, and full disclosure, I have a Kirk Gibson autographed bat in my office, but maybe the Bulldog deserves a little more love?
The Dodgers have pretty much done all they could. He’s in the ‘Legends of Dodger Baseball’ and just had a jersey giveaway. To be honest, outside of the true all-time greats, I think Orel gets as much attention as any of the former players. I still think there’s a chance down the road he makes his way into the Hall of Fame and they can officially retire his No. 55. That’s just the final honor that is needed.
Stan B — How patient do you think Andrew and Doc will be in letting Sasaki figure out how to pitch in the MLB? And what happens to the rotation when Gonsolin, Shohei and Kersh are ready to return?
That’s a very interesting question. Personally, I thought Sasaki should have immediately began the season in Triple-A. It seemed pretty crazy to just throw him to the wolves right away. He barely saw any action during the spring and he clearly isn’t MLB ready just yet. Luckily the Dodgers can afford to gamble with it, but I just think he should be getting these reps in OKC.
Once Gonsolin is ready to return, it’ll be interesting to see what the Dodgers do. They plan on keeping a 5-man rotation until Ohtani returns, so someone will have to go. If Dustin May looks solid, I can’t see them moving him out of the rotation. I could see a scenario where Sasaki is sent down if he continues to struggle and both Gonsolin and May are healthy.
Gonsolin is probably at least two weeks away from returning, maybe more. If I were to guess, Sasaki has at least two more starts to turn things around or at least show improvement before the Dodgers have a tough decision to make.
Margaret Scully — What happened to Kopech. Phillips and a few other hot relievers (can’t remember names) who seem to be missing? Oh and one more, do you think we will get Buehler back—ever?
It sure is interesting how Brandon Gomes publicly said nothing was wrong with Kopech prior to the start of spring training. For those who don’t know, Bob Nightengale reported that Kopech would miss the first month of the season with forearm inflammation.
Well, April is here and there’s no immediate return in sight for Kopech. It sounds like he could possibly return by May, but until he starts throwing bullpen sessions and appearing in minor league games I won’t get excited.
Evan Phillips seems closer to returning. He recently faced hitters, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he returns by the middle or end of April.
Brusdar Graterol will be back after the All-Star break, I’m guessing.
In regards to a Walker Buehler return, never say never! We’ve seen players return to the Dodgers before. I’d sure love for him to come back in the future. I’m still waiting for Kenley to return!
J Zura — BTW why is it always former Dodger Prospects or lineup members, no matter how long they were in the system that haunt Dodgers? This series who did the most damage to the pitching staff? Margot, McKinstry, Sweeney. Just happy Dodgers won’t play them again unless it’s in the World Series.
Which is my last point & question. With AL Central wide open; do you think Tigers have a better chance this year than last? Do you think they could win the AL Championship? Do they have enough pitching for that or do they need more?
It does feel like former Dodgers ALWAYS do well against us. I know the numbers probably don’t support it, but you can convince me every former Dodger hits .500 against us 😂
In regards to the AL Central, I definitely think the Tigers can win the division. Despite sweeping the series, the series against them wasn’t easy at all and Detroit was in every game. I think between their starting pitching and young bats they can definitely go on a run and surprise people.
Awesome read! Thanks Blake! Go Dodgers!
Thanks Blake. Mystery solved.😅