Starting pitching has led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 7-1 record thus far in the postseason, but Roki Sasaki has provided a significant boost out of the bullpen as well.
After the rookie converted two saves over a three-day span in the National League Division Series, Sasaki pitched three perfect innings in Game 4 to help eliminate the Philadelphia Phillies.
Then with the Dodgers holding a 2-0 lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series, they again turned to Sasaki after Blake Snell delivered eight spectacular innings.
However, the right-hander faltered for the first time in the postseason. He allowed his first walks and earned run of the playoffs after 5.1 near-perfect innings heading into Game 1 of the NLCS. Sasaki’s control wasn’t as sharp and his fastball velocity was a tick down.
On Monday, Sasaki’s fastball averaged 98 mph and topped out at 99.3 mph. In comparison, he averaged 99.5 mph and maxed out at 100.7 mph during his three innings against the Phillies.
“We’ve identified that. I don’t know the answer. We’ll see how today goes,” manager Dave Roberts said. “But it’s one of those things that we’re still in sort of uncharted territory with him. We’re still gathering information.
“He’s doing everything he can to stay ready and be ready and be productive. But it’s something that’s certainly on our radar. I don’t think it would be fatigue, or if it’s mechanical, but it may be a combo, like most things are.”
While the Dodgers have eased Sasaki into the bullpen role, the 23-year-old feels ready and is willing to pitch on back-to-back days. Sasaki received two days of rest before throwing three innings in Game 4, and had three days off prior to his appearance in the first game against the Brewers.
Roki Sasaki made postseason history in NLDS
By not allowing a baserunner in the eighth, ninth or 10th innings of a closeout win, Sasaki’s performance against the Phillies in Game 4 of the NLDS amounted to making MLB history.
During his two games as a reliever at the end of the regular season, Sasaki allowed just one hit and collected four strikeouts over two scoreless innings.
In his first four postseason games out of the bullpen, he gave up one hit with five strikeouts across 5.1 scoreless innings.
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