Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts suggests that pitchers Roki Sasaki, Justin Wrobleski, and Emmet Sheehan may face demotion as the team prepares to welcome back key starters Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell.
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Dodgers' Dave Roberts hints at potential demotion for Roki Sasaki, Justin Wrobleski, Emmet Sheehan originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are close to getting some major reinforcements back in their starting rotation. Tyler Glasnow has already returned, and another important veteran is nearing his comeback.
Blake Snell is on the verge of returning, which would be a huge boost for the Dodgers. Snell is expected to make his final rehab start this weekend.
“Snell is expected to make what should be his final rehab appearance on Saturday, May 9th, and if all goes well, the Dodgers could activate him shortly after. Once he’s cleared, there’s no easing him in slowly. He’ll immediately become a major part of the Dodgers’ rotation,” The Big Lead’s Lou Sanders wrote.
With Snell returning, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has already confirmed that either Roki Sasaki, , or will be the odd man out.
Dave Roberts hinted that Roki Sasaki might be demoted as the Dodgers prepare to reintegrate key pitchers into their rotation.
Blake Snell is expected to make his final rehab start on May 9th, and could be activated shortly after if all goes well.
The pitchers potentially facing demotion are Roki Sasaki, Justin Wrobleski, and Emmet Sheehan.
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“Yes – short answer,” Roberts said when asked about the importance of these next starts for the young trio. “But I would like to think that regardless of if Blake’s coming back or not, their focus to perform at a high level is unchanged. But yeah, there’s a point where, once he comes back, we’re going to have to make a decision.”
There is no guarantee which of the three will lose their spot. Wrobleski likely feels the safest considering he is undefeated this season, while Sheehan and Sasaki have struggled at times. There is no denying that Sasaki still has some things to figure out as a starting pitcher.
Roberts understands that it will be difficult to move on from one of the young arms, but that is the reality the Dodgers face whenever one of their top starters returns from injury. If Los Angeles wanted to move Sasaki back to the bullpen, they would not necessarily have to send anyone down. However, that does not appear to be the plan, as Roberts has already confirmed that one of the three pitchers will be demoted.
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