The saga around the Dodgers’ prized rookie Roki Sasaki just took a sudden turn. We were certain that he was all set to get into the major scene again, but a new update around him is what is making the Dodgers re-plan again. Well, after all the hype and the fierce bidding war to land him as an international free agent, Sasaki’s first season with the Dodgers hasn’t exactly gone according to plan.

Reportedly, just when it looked like he was working his way back, Manager Dave Roberts revealed on Friday that Sasaki ran into a new issue. He faced a calf problem during his rehab outing. And honestly, this new injury could halt the return timeline for Sasaki. And it also means his return to the big-league mound is on hold now. What’s more is that Sasaki’s plan to get into the starting rotation is now put on the back burner. But if his response is considered, then the Dodgers might come up with a better alternative.

So, in what role could the Dodgers get back Sasaki? “Roberts didn’t specifically state what role Sasaki would take up upon returning to the big league club, but he did note that his “impression” is that Sasaki would be open to pitching in relief for the team if that’s what the club requires.” MLB Trade Rumors cites Roberts about how Sasaki responded to his probable role change.

So, what’s the next game plan for the team now?

With Sasaki now facing a minor calf issue, it could push his rehab assignment out at least one more start. However, it means a further delay in getting back in the majors. Hence, it would be a risky affair for the Dodgers to let anyone directly enter the rotation from the rehab. Alternative? Taking the closing role!

With a playoff rotation likely locked in around Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers may have to think differently about Sasaki’s role. Sliding him into the bullpen could let him focus on shorter outings and really unleash his best stuff. It could be a win-win situation for the team, considering how the big names like Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott are struggling as the closers. And with Sasaki himself ready to take the challenge, the Dodgers might get a velocity update to their bullpen.

The Dodgers could still have Sasaki in the rotation

That said, the door is still not closed for Sasaki to get into the Dodgers’ starting role. Courtesy to another Japanese sensation, Shohei Ohtani! Yes, the Dodgers planned for him in the starting rotation for the postseason, but more importantly, he is needed on the hitting side for the team. Hence, Ohtani will not be in the rotation if his hitting stats are affected.

“I know Shohei would be open to whatever. We certainly haven’t made that decision yet, though,” Roberts kept the possibilities open for Ohtani to take the closing role as well.

Till the start of this week, Dodgers relievers have already piled up 585.2 innings this year. And if you’re unaware, that’s the most in baseball. But the heavy workload hasn’t exactly translated to success either, with a 4.20 ERA that ranks 19th in the league and one of the highest totals of blown saves! This shows how the Dodgers desperately need some more reliable arms in the bullpen.

And here kicked the idea of using Shohei Ohtani in a ninth-inning role. That would definitely add some wrinkles to how games are managed. In a perfect world, Ohtani could finish his at-bats, then start loosening up in the seventh, keeping himself ready through the eighth before taking the mound to close. And if the Dodgers went that route, it would leave a spot open in the rotation. One that could be filled by either Clayton Kershaw or Roki Sasaki.

However it shakes out, L.A. has no shortage of intriguing options for both the rotation and the bullpen.