Sasaki (blister) throws batting practice on Wednesday

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Sasaki will not be activated from the injured list this week. The widely-held expectation was that Sasaki would return to Los Angeles’ rotation later this week, especially after they sent down Emmet Sheehan following a pair of strong outings. Clearly, the Dodgers don’t want to take any chances that he suffers any sort of physical setback as he returns from a blister issue. It sounds like he’ll be ready to pitch in the postseason, possibly as a reliever like he did last postseason, but his odds of making it back before the regular season concludes appear very slim.

It’s a tough break for fantasy managers hoping to see Sheehan take the ball against the Giants later this week. The 26-year-old righty posted five strikeouts over six scoreless frames in a no-decision against the Marlins on Sunday. He allowed just one run over 11 2/3 frames in a pair of starts after returning to the majors back on September 7. It appears that his rotation spot will be going to Roki Sasaki (blister) in a couple days. The Dodgers also have former Royals starter Kris Bubic joining their pitching equation later this week.

The 24-year-old right-hander has been shelved since late August due to a blister on his right middle finger. he faced live hitters in a simulated game on Wednesday though and it sounds like he’s ready to return. Before landing on the injured list, Sasaki had posted a 4.60 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and a 117/48 K/BB ratio over 119 1/3 innings in 23 starts for the Dodgers.

Sasaki threw multiple innings during the up-and-down session, which puts him on track to jump back into Los Angeles’ rotation at some point early next week. The 24-year-old hit the injured list with a right middle finger blister in late August.

Sasaki hit the injured list with a blister on his right middle finger roughly two weeks ago. It sounds like the issue has resolved itself to the point that he’ll be able to take the ball again for the final two weeks of the season.

Sasaki was pulled from Wednesday’s start against the Braves after the blister issue cropped up. No word yet on how long he’ll be shelved for, but he’ll miss at least one trip through the Dodgers’ rotation. Eric Lauer will move back from the bullpen to take his place in the club’s six-man rotation for the time being.

Roberts added that Eric Lauer will take Sasaki’s spot in the rotation. The 24-year-old was removed from Wednesday’s start against the Braves after 3 1/3 innings due to a significant blister that cropped up unexpectedly on his right middle finger. He’s going to miss at least one turn through the rotation and could wind up sidelined until mid-September.

Sasaki departed with one out in the fourth inning after throwing 66 pitches (42 strikes). He was charged with four runs on six hits, including a solo homer by Matt Olson. He struck out three and issued two walks. The 24-year-old hasn’t dealt with blister issues this season, which means that his exit was likely precautionary. There should be an update on his status in the coming days. His next start will be against the Cardinals on Wednesday.

It’s the fourth straight outing in which he’s allowed exactly two runs, and he has a 2.31 ERA over his last six starts. Sasaki left with a two-run led tonight, but since it didn’t hold up, he remains 5-5 through 22 starts. He’ll likely pitch in Atlanta next week, making him a mediocre play in mixed leagues.

Sasaki issued five walks, including three in the Brewers’ two-run fourth inning, and gave up 13 hard-hit balls on the night, but he did finish rather strong. This makes five straight starts in which he’s allowed two runs or fewer and gotten at least 16 outs. He’ll look to keep that going in Coors Field against the Rockies next week.