Dodgers Rotation Suffers Devastating Blow as Roki Sasaki Heads to IL

Starting pitcher Roki Sasaki of the Los Angeles Dodgers is being placed on the injured list due to a blister on his middle finger, according to manager Dave Roberts. The incident occurred during Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Braves when Sasaki was removed in the fourth inning, already trailing with a run scored and two runners on base. The blister has now led to Sasaki's absence from the rotation for a minimum of ten days.

Trainer Will Ireton examined Sasaki, and he was replaced in the game by righty Edgardo Henriquez, who finished with three strikeouts but struggled to control his pitches, allowing six hits and two walks. Upon returning from Japan, Sasaki did not anticipate the blister developing so rapidly.

According to Roberts, the move to place Sasaki on the injured list is preemptive, aiming to prevent the issue from persisting into the postseason. Sasaki noted that the blister's sudden onset was unlike anything he had experienced previously while in Japan.

In his stead, Eric Lauer, who had previously moved from the bullpen to the rotation, will return to the rotation to fill in for Sasaki. Lauer has shown potential despite giving up numerous hits during his starts. The move opens up a roster spot for either a bullpen or long-relief pitcher, with options including Gavin Stone, who is currently in a rehab program, or the addition of a placeholder until Justin Wrobleski's injury time is complete.

Despite the setback, if Sasaki is ready for the postseason, his absence will not significantly impact the team.