The Los Angeles Dodgers face a pivotal crossroads as they navigate Shohei Ohtani‘s dual-role dilemma while their prized Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki battles concerning velocity issues. With postseason implications looming, the franchise finds itself juggling its $700 million superstar’s positioning between relief pitching and designated hitting roles, creating strategic complications that could define its championship aspirations.

Sasaki’s emergence as a potential game-changer has taken an unexpected turn, transforming from hope to worry in recent weeks. The highly-touted 23-year-old right-hander, who once dazzled with triple-digit fastballs in Japan, now struggles to reach the upper 90s during his rehabilitation starts. Through two concerning outings, his velocity has plummeted from the 102 mph he showcased internationally to a pedestrian 93-94 mph range, generating just one swing-and-miss on 59 fastballs—a statistic that sends chills through the Dodgers organization.

USA TODAY insider Bob Nightengale, who previously gave the Dodgers a 98% chance of landing Sasaki, now witnesses the harsh reality of the pitcher’s struggles. The rookie’s 4.72 ERA across eight appearances tells a sobering story, with only 24 strikeouts demonstrating how far he’s fallen from expectations. His fastball, once his primary weapon used 50 percent of the time, has lost its bite at the worst possible moment. Meanwhile, Ohtani’s potential relief role creates roster complications—forcing him to vacate his lineup spot when pitching, unlike his starter privileges that allow him to remain as designated hitter.

The parallels between Sasaki’s current struggles and Ohtani’s own journey back to pitching create an unsettling narrative for the Dodgers. While Ohtani successfully navigated his return to the mound after injury, Sasaki’s rehabilitation tells a different story. The organization now faces the uncomfortable reality that its Japanese pitching prospect may not deliver the impact it desperately needs. “I wouldn’t say worried, but the expectation is that he gets into the upper 90s,” Roberts admitted after Sasaki’s disappointing rehab start. “But it was his first one, and I want to talk to him personally to kind of get a little bit more background on that. But yeah, it was a little surprising.” The manager’s measured words mask deeper concerns about a pitcher whose diminished velocity threatens the Dodgers’ playoff depth.

With Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Emmet Sheehan also battling injuries, the team desperately needs Sasaki to rediscover his form, making his current struggles all the more pressing for a franchise chasing championship glory. Amid all this pitching uncertainty, the Dodgers can find solace in one consistent performer who continues delivering when it matters most. While questions swirl around their rotation’s health and effectiveness, veteran leadership has provided the stability the organization desperately craves.

Dodgers’ Kershaw Banks $8.5M in Bonuses

While uncertainty clouds the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ pitching future with Sasaki’s struggles, Clayton Kershaw continues delivering vintage performances that translate directly into financial rewards. The veteran left-hander’s reliability stands in stark contrast to the question marks surrounding younger arms, proving that experience still holds immense value in today’s game.

Kershaw just banked serious money by hitting every performance target in his contract. The future Hall of Famer collected an additional $8.5 million in bonuses this season, showcasing that elite talent paired with availability pays dividends. “Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw quietly hit all of his incentives that maxed out with Thursday’s start, paying him a total of $16 million this season: $8.5 million in bonuses atop his $7.5 million base salary,” reports revealed. Those final outings were particularly profitable, with the southpaw earning a million dollars per start.

His remarkable 8-2 record, coupled with a 3.13 ERA, demonstrates sustained excellence despite Father Time knocking at the door. “Considering the way he has pitched this season, 8-2 with a 3.13 ERA, he has been as invaluable as ever to the Dodgers.” said USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. The financial incentives reflected his on-field impact, with Kershaw securing “$4.5 million for being on the active roster at least 90 days” alongside his start-based bonuses.

What makes Kershaw’s performance even more impressive is his tactical evolution. The crafty veteran now relies heavily on his slider—more than any other pitch—while his legendary curveball remains a devastating weapon. This adaptability, combined with his championship pedigree, explains why the Dodgers prioritized keeping him healthy and motivated through performance-based compensation rather than guaranteed money.