Roki Sasaki Embraces Bullpen Role Ahead of Playoffs

Roki Sasaki has embraced a move back to the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen, a decision he initiated himself to maximize his contribution to the team as the postseason approaches. Initially slated to pitch an inning or two as an opener, Sasaki expressed his preference to pitch exclusively from the bullpen for the remainder of the regular season to reacquaint himself with the relief role.

This strategic shift was evident in the Dodgers' 7-0 victory over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, where Sasaki pitched in relief for the first time this season, entering in the fourth inning rather than starting as initially planned. The move comes after a month-long stint on the injured list due to a blister on his pitching hand, which he developed on August 26.

While Sasaki's return to relief pitching was notable, his willingness to adapt was the most striking aspect. Last year, he was reluctant to transition from starter to reliever, only doing so as a last resort to salvage his rookie season. That change, however, proved pivotal, as he became the team's closer almost by default during their playoff run.

Sasaki had returned to the starting rotation this season and maintained a 5-5 record with a 4.56 earned-run average through his first 23 starts. His performance improved in the second half, with a 2-0 record and a 3.05 ERA in his final seven starts before the injury.

Starting games had been a point of pride for Sasaki. He had made the Dodgers promise to use him as a starter this season after he agreed to pitch in relief last year. However, the prospect of pitching in the postseason prompted a change in his perspective. With the Dodgers planning a four-man rotation in the playoffs featuring established aces like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tarik Skubal, and Tyler Glasnow, Sasaki recognized that his path to contributing in October would be as a reliever.

"I think it’s important to make the roster," Sasaki stated. He also expressed a desire to repay the team for their faith in him, particularly during the first half of the season when he struggled with his performance, ERA, fastball velocity, and command. Despite these issues, the Dodgers did not remove him from the rotation or send him to the minor leagues.

This period of support from the organization has fostered a growing trust between Sasaki and the Dodgers. Last season, there were differing accounts of how Sasaki rediscovered his fastball, with team officials crediting their guidance while Sasaki attributed it to self-analysis. This year, however, Sasaki has appeared more receptive to coaching, which has contributed to an improved fastball and the development of a new variation of his signature forkball.

Physically, Sasaki is stronger than last year, addressing concerns about fatigue that affected him during the previous postseason. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that Sasaki closing games in the upcoming playoffs is a viable option. While Edwin Diaz has returned to ninth-inning consideration and Tanner Scott has served as the primary closer, Roberts suggested that Sasaki could be utilized in high-leverage situations earlier in games.

Sasaki has affirmed his readiness to pitch whenever called upon. His usage in the final week of the regular season, potentially including a start on Friday in San Francisco, will likely influence his role in the postseason. This time, Sasaki's commitment to adapting and contributing is clear.