{
  "id": 4184229,
  "title": "Dodgers notes: Roki Sasaki’s role, LA farm system accolades",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/dodgers-notes-roki-sasakis-role-la-farm-system-accolades",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-29T12:04:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dodgers-notes-roki-sasaki-role-120400945.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Los Angeles Dodgers are uncertain about how long Roki Sasaki, their pitcher, will be sidelined due to a blister on his middle finger. However, he is anticipated to continue pitching in the bullpen during the postseason and may also be called upon to start games in September to provide rest days for the rest of the rotation. Additionally, Mark Walter's company, TWG Global, announced recently that the Dodgers are not for sale. In a 1-0 shutout on Thursday, the Atlanta Braves ace proved dominant over the Dodgers.\n\nA recent ESPN article by Kiley McDaniel highlighted the MLB farm systems rankings, which were calculated based on the future value of every prospect. The Dodgers were ranked second-best, alongside the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays. The outfield depth of the Dodgers was frequently discussed prior to the trade, and one of their surplus outfielders, Zyhir Hope, was dealt. Nonetheless, the team still possesses eight outfielders in their top 15 prospects, along with two third basemen who may be moved to an outfield position.\n\nThe pitching staff of the Dodgers has also improved, with Christian Zazueta and Zach Root rising to the occasion. This progress is further exemplified by the departure of River Ryan and Jackson Ferris experiencing a decline this season. In the infield, Daniel Mielcarek, a minor league player for the Dodgers, was recently named an Arizona Complex League All-Star at second base. Mielcarek, who was signed out of the Dominican Republic for $400,000 in 2023, displayed exceptional skills with a batting average of .292, a slugging percentage of .428, a on-base percentage of .525, seven home runs, seven doubles, a 135 wRC+, an 18.4-percent walk rate, and a 36.2-percent strikeout rate over 42 games in the season. He played multiple positions including second base, shortstop, third base, left field, and even as a designated hitter.",
  "summary": "The Dodgers aren’t sure how long Roki Sasaki will be on the injured list with his middle-finger blister, and while he’s expected to pitch in the bullpen during the postseason, they might also want him to start games in September to give the rest of the rotation rest days. Bill Plunkett at the Orange County […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Roki Sasaki's bullpen role uncertain due to finger blister",
    "Dodgers ranked second in MLB farm systems by ESPN",
    "Daniel Mielcarek named Arizona Complex League All-Star"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}