The 2025 MLB postseason is here, and the Los Angeles Dodgers have found themselves an unexpected weapon in Roki Sasaki. Although it’s a two-appearance sample size, Sasaki has become lights out for the Dodgers in this new bullpen role.
Sasaki has pitched two innings and has only allowed one hit while striking out four batters. For a Los Angeles bullpen that’s struggled all season, Saski’s form is a welcome sight for manager Dave Roberts.
Will Roki Sasaki Be An X-Factor In Reds-Dodgers Series?
Unlike last year, the Dodgers’ playoff run will begin in the Wild Card round against the Cincinnati Reds. In a short series, every inning matters, and if Sasaki can continue this impressive form, he can help take the game to the finish line.
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All season, the Dodgers have seen the starters pitch gems only for the bullpen to waste that outing. As a result, Sasaki can help avoid that from happening, which is why MLB Network’s Tom Verducci believes the Japanese pitcher will play a vital role in the series against the Reds.
“I think Roki Sasaki is going to play a big role for Dave Roberts,” Verducci said Sunday on MLB Network. “I’m not saying ninth inning. But I think I’d be comfortable giving him high-leverage spots. Maybe it’s a seventh, maybe it’s [the] middle of the order in a sixth inning. You’re not going to bring him in the middle of an inning.”
Tom Verducci Backs Roki Sasaki
This postseason will be Sasaki’s first, and while it’s been a rollercoaster 2025 season for the young pitcher, Verducci is buying into this short sample size as a foreshadowing of what the Dodgers player can do in October.
“Watching this guy’s stuff play up one inning at a time, hitting 100, I trust him,” Verducci added. “I know he’s had—he’s got some issues with throwing strikes in the past—but I think in his short sample sizes, he’s not going to fold under pressure. I think he’s going to handle this really well as long as you say, ‘Okay, Roki, you got next inning,’ and I think he can dominate.”