The Los Angeles Dodgers entered Saturday’s contest against the Phillies riding a seven-game win streak. Although they quickly fell behind 0–3, the team never wavered. By the final inning, Los Angeles held a two-run lead and turned to closer Roki Sasaki to seal the win. He delivered — and made history alongside Shohei Ohtani in the process.
“In the process, Ohtani and Sasaki became the first Japanese-born starter/reliever combo to earn both the win and save in the same postseason game,” MLB.com’s Brent Maguire wrote.
Sasaki has become a household name among Dodgers fans over the past week since being recalled. Originally brought in as a starter, a late-season experiment using him out of the bullpen has breathed new life into his role. Though he’s only had a handful of relief appearances, his performance against the Seattle Mariners put everyone on notice.
“Roki Sasaki with another shutdown inning in relief. He had 2 strikeouts and 4 whiffs on 12 pitches. He got Cal Raleigh on this ugly swing and miss. He also touched 100.1 mph. The Dodgers bullpen has quite the weapon for October,” Dodgers Nation’s Noah Camras posted.
After being called on to close Saturday night, Sasaki earned his first career save — but it almost didn’t happen. Manager Dave Roberts revealed that Sasaki’s opportunity came only after Tyler Glasnow began to fade late in his outing.
The Los Angeles Dodgers entered Saturday’s contest against the Phillies riding a seven-game win streak. Although they quickly fell behind 0–3, the team never wavered. By the final inning, Los Angeles held a two-run lead and turned to closer Roki Sasaki to seal the win. He delivered — and made history alongside Shohei Ohtani in the process.
“In the process, Ohtani and Sasaki became the first Japanese-born starter/reliever combo to earn both the win and save in the same postseason game,” MLB.com’s Brent Maguire wrote.
Sasaki has become a household name among Dodgers fans over the past week since being recalled. Originally brought in as a starter, a late-season experiment using him out of the bullpen has breathed new life into his role. Though he’s only had a handful of relief appearances, his performance against the Seattle Mariners put everyone on notice.
“Roki Sasaki with another shutdown inning in relief. He had 2 strikeouts and 4 whiffs on 12 pitches. He got Cal Raleigh on this ugly swing and miss. He also touched 100.1 mph. The Dodgers bullpen has quite the weapon for October,” Dodgers Nation’s Noah Camras posted.
After being called on to close Saturday night, Sasaki earned his first career save — but it almost didn’t happen. Manager Dave Roberts revealed that Sasaki’s opportunity came only after Tyler Glasnow began to fade late in his outing.
Roberts’ Perspective on the Bullpen
Roberts has expressed confidence in the current closer options available to him, suggesting that the team’s existing pitchers possess the qualities needed to secure games in high-pressure situations. This assertion raises questions about the Dodgers’ strategy moving forward, particularly as they approach the postseason.
The manager’s comments have sparked debate among fans, many of whom see Sasaki as a potential game-changer for the Dodgers’ postseason run. With the pressure of the playoffs looming, the choice of who takes the mound in crucial moments is critical.
What Lies Ahead for the Dodgers
As the Dodgers gear up for the playoffs, the closer situation remains a focal point of discussion. While Roberts may downplay Sasaki’s impact, the young pitcher’s impressive skill set cannot be ignored.
It will be interesting to see how this debate unfolds as the team prepares for the challenges ahead. The Dodgers have a history of making bold moves, and the decision on their closer could very well shape their postseason fate. With the clock ticking, fans will be eager to see who ultimately takes the mound in those pivotal moments.
Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Questions Roki Sasaki’s Closer Potential
In a surprising turn of events, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has stirred the pot by dismissing the potential impact of Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki in the ongoing debate over the team’s closer role. This statement has left many fans and analysts scratching their heads, especially given Sasaki’s impressive track record.
Sasaki’s Rising Star
Roki Sasaki has taken the baseball world by storm with his exceptional performances in Japan. Known for his blazing fastball and sharp slider, Sasaki has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting young pitchers today. With a dominant presence on the mound, he has continually drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats.
Despite this, Roberts appears unfazed by Sasaki’s accolades. The manager emphasized that while Sasaki is undoubtedly talented, the Dodgers have established depth within their bullpen that may not necessitate the integration of the young pitcher into the closer role.
Roberts’ Perspective on the Bullpen
Roberts has expressed confidence in the current closer options available to him, suggesting that the team’s existing pitchers possess the qualities needed to secure games in high-pressure situations. This assertion raises questions about the Dodgers’ strategy moving forward, particularly as they approach the postseason.
The manager’s comments have sparked debate among fans, many of whom see Sasaki as a potential game-changer for the Dodgers’ postseason run. With the pressure of the playoffs looming, the choice of who takes the mound in crucial moments is critical.
What Lies Ahead for the Dodgers
As the Dodgers gear up for the playoffs, the closer situation remains a focal point of discussion. While Roberts may downplay Sasaki’s impact, the young pitcher’s impressive skill set cannot be ignored.
It will be interesting to see how this debate unfolds as the team prepares for the challenges ahead. The Dodgers have a history of making bold moves, and the decision on their closer could very well shape their postseason fate. With the clock ticking, fans will be eager to see who ultimately takes the mound in those pivotal moments.