Overview

• In a 4-3 Game 2 win in Philadelphia, Dave Roberts summoned Sasaki with two on and two out to face Trea Turner, and the right-hander induced a game-ending grounder for his second save of the series.
• According to OptaStats, Sasaki is the first MLB pitcher since saves became official in 1969 to have his first two career saves—regular season or postseason—both come in the playoffs.
• Roberts praised Sasaki’s form but said he won’t be locked into the ninth inning, framing him as a matchup-driven, high-leverage option rather than a set closer.
• Sasaki shifted from starting to relief after a May right-shoulder impingement and returned in late September for two planned one-inning tune-ups designed to prepare him for October.
• Through his first two postseason finishes—the Wild Card clincher and NLDS Game 1—he allowed one hit with three strikeouts and over 80% strikes, and he has described relieving as fun because he can contribute more often.