The Los Angeles Dodgers have won three consecutive games to begin postseason play, with Roki Sasaki recording the final out on two occasions.
The right-hander made his playoff debut in Game 2 of the Wild Card Series against the Cincinnati Reds and tossed a scoreless ninth inning to help send the Dodgers to the next round.
Sasaki then had another successful appearance on Saturday when he recorded his first career Major League save to give the Dodgers a 1-0 lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series.
In both of his relief appearances, Sasaki flashed a dominant splitter and fastball that reached triple digits.
“I think so. I hope so,” manager Dave Roberts answered when asked if Sasaki can provide a spark to a Dodgers bullpen that as a whole has underwhelmed.
“I hope it’s something that energizes the guys in the ‘pen, motivates them, because everyone wants innings and opportunities. And so hopefully with what Roki’s done, motivates guys to go after guys and pitch well, and so they can earn those opportunities as well.”
Sasaki began his rookie season as a starter but was given an opportunity to make the Dodgers’ postseason roster in a relief role.
After missing more than four months due to a right shoulder impingement, the 23-year-old returned to the Dodgers in September and threw two scoreless innings out of the bullpen.
“I think that him being back on the Major League roster was the most important thing,” Roberts said of Sasaki being more emotional upon immediately rejoining the team than his most recent appearances.
“And he’s healthy, he’s throwing the baseball well. I think that was a big boost to his confidence, pitching back in the big leagues with us. And then I think the Wild Card part, he’s just really in a good head space.
“He’s very confident right now. And whatever postseason game I don’t think is going to affect his confidence right now. He’s in a great spot.”
Is Roki Sasaki new Dodgers closer?
When again asked if Sasaki is officially the Dodgers’ closer in the postseason, Roberts did not want to put any labels on him.
“I just don’t want to be pigeonholed into the ninth because with the way this lineup is constructed,” Roberts began. “There could be different ways where the eighth could present itself where he could be the best option.
“But I do consider him one of our top highest-leverage relievers, for sure.”
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