Los Angeles Dodgers rookie right-hander Roki Sasaki has been sidelined since May 9 with a shoulder impingement. With his absence coming up on three months, though, Sasaki appears to be making significant progress toward a return, and a possible change in role, at least for the playoffs, could be in the plans.

Pain-free now after a shoulder impingement, Sasaki has a simulated game later this week with a minor league rehab start planned for next week. When he is done rehabbing, the Dodgers will face

Roki Sasaki says he has "no pain" in his right shoulder and is scheduled to pitch three simulated innings at Dodger Stadium over the weekend.