Dodgers Interview: Roki Sasaki Emerging as Dodgers’ Postseason Bullpen Weapon
Amidst the Dodgers’ intense postseason clash with the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS, Roki Sasaki has quickly become one of the Dodgers’ most reliable arms. The 23-year-old right-hander, who is still projected to return to the starting rotation next season, has embraced a new role in October, one that has already yielded back-to-back saves against the Phillies.
Sasaki’s transition from promising starter to shutdown reliever has provided the Dodgers with a crucial boost at the back end of their bullpen. Since returning to the roster late in September following a right shoulder impingement that sidelined him for much of the summer, Sasaki has displayed the electric stuff that made him one of the most exciting players in Major League Baseball. His 100-plus mph fastball and sharp splitter have kept opposing hitters off balance, and his ability to attack hitters late in games has been vital to stabilizing a bullpen that entered the postseason with more questions than answers.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has not shied away from leaning on the young phenom in high-leverage situations. When asked about Sasaki’s role moving forward this postseason, Roberts emphasized the importance of balancing the team’s immediate needs with Sasaki’s workload.
“He’s definitely the primary option,” Roberts said. “I think that there’s a build up, there’s also a component that we have to win [nine] more games and he’s not going to close every game. It’s not feasible. To the question, if it makes sense, [Sasaki] will be finishing games.”
Roberts’s remarks underscore the challenge the Dodgers face in managing Sasaki’s innings while also maximizing his impact. October baseball often requires unconventional strategies, and Sasaki’s rise as a dependable late-inning arm has given Roberts a much-needed weapon as the Dodgers push for their second World Series title in five years.
The Dodgers’ bullpen has faced its share of scrutiny over the course of the season, particularly after injuries and inconsistent performances forced frequent shuffling. Sasaki’s presence has provided a steadying influence, allowing the team to deploy veteran relievers like Blake Treinen and Alex Vesia in more situational roles while keeping high-leverage innings secure with the rookie.
For Sasaki, this October run could be a defining moment in his young MLB career. While the Dodgers still view him as a long-term fixture in the rotation, his ability to adapt on the fly in the postseason demonstrates his maturity and competitiveness. If his performance thus far is any indication, Sasaki’s contributions out of the bullpen might be the difference-maker as the Dodgers look to power through the NLDS and beyond.
