Overview

• Sasaki has been designated the Dodgers’ primary choice for save situations, though Roberts stopped short of naming him the exclusive closer.
• He has not allowed a run across five relief outings since returning in September, including two saves in the NLDS and finishes in three of four postseason games.
• Roberts explained he avoided starting Sasaki in the ninth in Game 2 to protect rest, turning first to Blake Treinen and then Alex Vesia before Sasaki recorded the final out.
• The decision follows late-inning volatility, with Treinen struggling down the stretch and primary regular-season closer Tanner Scott posting a 4.74 ERA and not yet appearing in the NLDS.
• Roberts said Sasaki will be managed carefully, likely with at least a day between appearances, and could be deployed in earlier high-leverage spots rather than every ninth inning.