Overview

• Manager Dave Roberts said Sasaki is now the team’s primary choice for ninth-inning situations in October, while stressing he will not close every game.
• Since moving to relief in mid-September, the 23-year-old has made five bullpen appearances with a 0.00 ERA and eight strikeouts.
• Sasaki earned saves in NLDS Games 1 and 2, becoming the first pitcher whose first two career saves came in the postseason.
• In Game 2, Roberts tried Blake Treinen and Alex Vesia before bringing in Sasaki with two on and two out to induce a game-ending grounder.
• The move reflects season-long bullpen volatility for Los Angeles, with veterans like Treinen and Tanner Scott struggling and converted starters taking on high-leverage roles.