Roki Sasaki has officially arrived as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ most trusted arm when the stakes are highest. Manager Dave Roberts told reporters Tuesday that the 23-year-old rookie will serve as Los Angeles’ “primary option” in save situations going forward — a significant shift in the team’s late-game hierarchy as they chase another World Series title.
“He’s definitely the primary option now,” Roberts said. “There’s a buildup. We’ve got to win a lot more games, and he’s not going to close every one — that’s just not feasible. But if it makes sense, he’ll definitely be finishing games.”
Support Local and Independent Sports Writing – Subscribe To the LAFB Network Today!
Sasaki Steals the Spotlight
Support Our Fight To End Fall Weddings
That trust was on full display Monday night at Citizens Bank Park. The Dodgers tried to stay away from Sasaki in Game 2 of the NLDS, protecting a 4–1 lead in the ninth. Blake Treinen faltered immediately, allowing three straight hits to bring the tying run into scoring position. Alex Vesia got two key outs, but Roberts turned to Sasaki with runners on the corners and Trea Turner at the plate.
Sasaki needed just two pitches to induce a chopper to second, which Tommy Edman corralled before Freddie Freeman made a sprawling scoop at first to secure the win. The rookie’s calm was striking amid the chaos.
“I don’t understand English that well, so I didn’t even know what they were saying,” Sasaki said through an interpreter. “I just tried not to let it bother me. I’ve had similar experiences back in Japan, so I was able to stay focused and pitch without being affected.”
It marked Sasaki’s third straight postseason game finishing for the Dodgers — two saves and one series-clinching frame against Cincinnati. In those appearances, he’s allowed just one hit across 2⅓ scoreless innings.
The Dodgers’ Bullpen Puzzle
The Dodgers’ bullpen has been their most persistent question mark. Treinen gave up 10 earned runs in September and failed to record an out in Game 2. Tanner Scott, the team’s regular-season closer, hasn’t appeared this postseason after a 4.74 ERA across 61 outings.
Meanwhile, Sasaki — who only transitioned to the bullpen in late September after returning from a shoulder impingement — has quickly become the stabilizer Roberts was searching for.
“It’s uncharted territory for everyone,” Roberts admitted. “I’d love to have Roki throw every single day if he could, but that’s just not feasible. We’ll keep building him up the right way.”
If October has revealed anything so far, it’s that the Dodgers’ rookie sensation isn’t just adjusting — he’s thriving. And now, he’s closing.