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3h ago

Rōki Sasaki’s 101 MPH Postseason Debut Puts Dodgers’ Bullpen in Focus

Los Angeles has yet to name a closer, leaving his NLDS role undecided.

Dodgers relief pitcher Roki Sasaki throws to the plate during the ninth inning of Game 2 of their National League Wild Card Series against the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. Have the Dodgers found their postseason closer? (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Oct 1, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) throws a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds in the ninth inning during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The 23-year-old right-hander closed out the Wild Card Series with a 1-2-3 ninth and two strikeouts to send the Dodgers to the NLDS.
  • Sasaki needed 11 pitches against Cincinnati, leaning on seven fastballs that registered between 99.8 and 101.4 mph and four splitters.
  • Since returning from a shoulder injury in a late-season bullpen role, he has thrown three scoreless innings with six strikeouts and one hit allowed.
  • Dodgers coaches credited mechanical work in Arizona with Rob Hill and the pitching staff for restoring his velocity and simplifying his mix to four-seamers and splitters.
  • Andrew Friedman and Dave Roberts expressed trust in Sasaki for high-leverage outs but stopped short of naming him closer as they prepare to face the Phillies in the NLDS.