In a season that started with sky-high expectations for the young Japanese phenom, Roki Sasaki has finally found his footing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, shifting from a troubled starter to a trusted bullpen arm just in time for the playoffs. Manager Dave Roberts, ever the pragmatist, pulled the trigger on this change after Sasaki's prolonged shoulder injury sidelined him for months. Indeed, what began as a dream acquisition last winter turned into a frustrating rehab odyssey, with Sasaki logging uneven outings in the minors before Roberts decided to activate him as a reliever on September 23.
The transition wasn't seamless, but Sasaki wasted little time proving his worth. In his first major league appearance back, he tossed two scoreless innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks, striking out the side in a high-pressure seventh. However, it was during the Wild Card Series against the Cincinnati Reds where things really clicked. With the Dodgers clinging to a lead in Game 2, Roberts called on Sasaki to close the ninth, and the 23-year-old delivered, retiring the side in order with a mix of 100-mph heat and that signature splitter. The Dodgers swept the series 2-0, advancing to face the Phillies in the NLDS, and Sasaki's poise in those moments drew praise from Roberts, who admitted he "trusts" the rookie in high-leverage spots.
Roberts has been candid about Sasaki's journey—pushing him through mechanical tweaks and velocity-building sessions that saw his fastball dip into the mid-90s during rehab. Yet, the manager's faith seems well-placed; Sasaki's late-season stats, including eight strikeouts over limited innings, hint at untapped potential. Moreover, with the Dodgers' bullpen plagued by inconsistencies—a 4.33 ERA that ballooned in September—Sasaki's arrival feels like a timely boost. Still, questions linger about his stamina in extended playoff runs, given the five-month layoff.
It's a reminder of how fragile these international stars can be when transplanted to MLB's grind. As the Dodgers gear up for Philadelphia, Sasaki's evolving role invites curiosity about whether this bullpen experiment will solidify into something more enduring.