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2h ago

Roki Sasaki’s Electric Postseason Debut Sends Dodgers to the NLDS

Dodgers leaders express confidence without naming him the closer.

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

Overview

  • He sealed the Wild Card series with a 1-2-3 ninth and two strikeouts in an 8-4 win over the Reds, setting up an NLDS matchup with the Phillies on Saturday.
  • He needed 11 pitches in the outing, featuring seven fastballs at 99.8–101.4 mph and four splitters, reflecting a streamlined fastball–splitter approach.
  • Since moving to short relief, he has retired nine of the 10 batters he has faced with six strikeouts across two regular-season outings and his postseason debut.
  • His late-season turnaround followed a May shoulder impingement, uneven Triple-A rehab, and targeted mechanical work with pitching coaches Rob Hill, Connor McGuiness, and Mark Prior.
  • Andrew Friedman and Dave Roberts say he will get important outs but have not defined his role or workload, noting the NLDS schedule provides an extra off-day for planning.