Baseball: Sasaki gets no decision, sent to injured list with blister

Roki Sasaki did not earn a decision as the Los Angeles Dodgers fell 6-5 to the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday, subsequently being placed on the 15-day injured list due to a blister. The pitcher allowed four runs on six hits and two walks over 3-1/3 innings at Truist Park, surrendering the opening run with two outs in the first inning when Matt Olson hit a solo home run off a low inside slider.

The Dodgers came from behind to lead 3-1 by the third inning, but Sasaki yielded three runs in the fourth when his blister on the right middle finger popped while facing his first batter of the frame, who he subsequently walked. A subsequent single and sacrifice fly brought the score to within one run, and Sean Murphy's double put runners on second and third, leading to Sasaki's removal from the game.

This is the first time such an abrupt development has occurred for Sasaki, who expressed difficulty in throwing pitches like sliders due to the blister. The Dodgers' manager, Dave Roberts, expressed disappointment in Sasaki's absence following his strong performances. Shohei Ohtani contributed 2-for-5, including a double in the two-run seventh inning, tying the game at 5-5, and he also stole his 10th base for the sixth consecutive season.