How long is Roki Sasaki out? Shoulder injury time, return date, latest updates on Dodgers pitcher

The Dodgers have placed Roki Sasaki on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder impingement , according to MLB.com's Kyle Glaser.

Sasaki appears to have sustained the injury in his last start against the Diamondbacks on Friday. His fastball velocity was down from his 96 mph season average, and he allowed five hits and five runs in four innings without recording a strikeout.

Sasaki received a scan during the Dodgers' off day on Monday that revealed the injury, and he did not throw his scheduled bullpen session. He was officially placed on the IL on Tuesday.

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The Japanese right-hander is in his rookie year after signing with Los Angeles this offseason from the Chiba Lotte Marines in Nippon Professional Baseball. He has a 4.72 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 34.1 innings this season.

Here's what to know about Roki Sasaki's shoulder injury.

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How long is Roki Sasaki out?

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts did not give a timetable for Sasaki's return, and it is unclear when he will begin throwing again.

“We made it very clear to Roki that there is no expectation on timeline,” Roberts said. “The main thing is that he’s healthy, he’s strong, his delivery feels good, then he’ll pitch for us.”

Sasaki was the top international free agent this offseason, known primarily for a blazing fastball that has been clocked as high as 102 mph. In 2025, however, his average fastball velocity has been down from his time in Japan. Roberts said he believes the decline is due to a combination of Sasaki’s shoulder injury and mechanical flaws in his delivery that have developed as a result.

“Obviously knowing what we know now, there was certainly some compensation from him, and his delivery was probably compromised,” Roberts said. “And all that is because he wanted to compete and help us out.”

What is a shoulder impingement?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a shoulder impingement occurs when the top outer edge of a shoulder blade pinches the rotator cuff beneath it. Impingement is the medical term for pinching or rubbing together inside a joint which causes pain when there is movement.

Shoulder impingements are common among MLB pitchers, and a number have gone on the shelf with them recently. Earlier this season, the Rangers placed former top prospect Kumar Rocker on the IL with the injury.