Dodgers' Roki Sasaki Says He's 'Completely Pain Free' amid Shoulder Injury Rehab

Los Angeles Dodgers ace Rōki Sasaki is seemingly making progress in his rehab from his shoulder injury.

Sasaki said Tuesday that he has been able to increase his velocity and doesn't have any pain when throwing, though he still has to get over the hurdle of throwing against batters.

"I feel better about being able to throw harder, especially because I'm completely pain free," Sasaki said through an interpreter, per ESPN's Alden Gonzalez. "With that being said, I do have to just face live hitters and see how my mechanics, you know, hold. Just being consistent; being able to do that consistently."

Sasaki has been out since May with what the Dodgers called a shoulder impingement. Sasaki, who signed with Los Angeles out of Japan over the offseason, struggled through his first few appearances, going 1-1 with a 4.72 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP in eight games.

Landing on the injured list has prevented him from getting the reps needed to get comfortable in the majors, but he'll look to turn things around once he's back on the mound.

He could be ready to return soon, as he'll pitch three simulated innings at Dodger Stadium this weekend before a rehab assignment.