Dodgers IL Sasaki; Lauer Sixth Starter

Roki Sasaki exited the Dodgers' start against the Atlanta Braves in the fourth inning with a blister on his right middle finger after allowing four runs on six hits through 3⅓ innings. Dodgers trainer and staff checked his hand, and he was pulled with two runners aboard and one out in the frame. The team announced Sasaki would be placed on the injured list, prompting a rotation adjustment with Eric Lauer moving into the rotation as a sixth starter to replace him until he returns. Sasaki had carried a 2.31 ERA over his previous six starts since the All-Star break and had shown a revamped arsenal and increased efficiency prior to the setback. The blister raises questions about his postseason availability, though the Dodgers appear better positioned than earlier in the season to cover the spot with depth from Glasnow, Snell, Ohtani, and others. The injury comes as Los Angeles surges down the stretch, potentially delaying Sasaki's return and reshaping October rotation and bullpen plans.