The Los Angeles Dodgers fell short of their goal for a first-round postseason bye but they might be better off for it.
After winning two straight games against the Cincinnati Reds in the wild card round, the Dodgers took the first game from the Philadelphia Phillies in a division series and seem to be building some momentum toward a repeat World Series championship.
The team can thank veteran stars like Blake Snell and Teoscar Hernandez for postseason heroics in the early rounds, but they have also enjoyed strong contributions from rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki after a harsh beginning to his career this season.
In eight major league starts this year, Sasaki posted a 4.46 ERA with diminished velocity and command struggles before the team placed him on the injured list and then moved him to the minors for a reset. During Sasaki’s recovery, the team intervened on his mechanics for the first time and unlocked something that gave them the confidence to change his role as the playoffs began.
He has logged three strikeouts and a save in two innings of postseason relief so far.
“While (manager Dave) Roberts wouldn’t officially name Sasaki the Dodgers’ closer, Sasaki will pitch in the highest-leverage spots as long as Los Angeles is in the playoffs,” Jeff Passan reported for ESPN.
For some starting pitchers, a move to the bullpen might be considered a demotion. But when speaking out about the change, the rookie sent an enthusiastic message.
“The fun part about relieving is the opportunity to be able to contribute to the game, to the team every day,” Sasaki said, per Passan. “There’s been a lot of support staff, coaching staff, the people around me who helped me get where I am today. So, yes, very grateful for that.”
After beginning his Major League Baseball career with massive expectations, Sasaki’s rough patch might offer some positive perspective on any role in the Dodgers’ playoff run. And if he helps them win another title, the Japanese phenom might be perfectly happy pitching out of relief for the foreseeable future as well.
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