Sasaki, Scott Emerge as Potential Playoff Bullpen Anchors for Dodgers

San Francisco – The combination of Roki Sasaki in the eighth inning and Tanner Scott in the ninth proved effective on Friday night, bolstering the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen ahead of the playoffs.

While manager Dave Roberts indicated that their deployment order may vary in the postseason, their performances in the Dodgers’ 2-0 victory over the Giants highlighted their capability to anchor a championship-caliber bullpen.

"I don’t want you to pigeonhole me into using these guys in certain roles, but, yeah, I think it’s just better to have as many guys that you have confidence in leverage (situations)," Roberts said.

Sasaki followed starter Tarik Skubal's seven-inning performance by striking out two batters in a perfect eighth inning. Scott then retired the side in the ninth to secure his 24th save.

Last season, the Dodgers' bullpen was a point of concern, with the team heavily relying on starting pitchers to pitch deep into games and contribute relief efforts. Sasaki's emergence as a closer was attributed to both the team's limited options and his own talent.

The Dodgers anticipate entering the playoffs next month with a more robust bullpen. Scott has shown a resurgence after a difficult previous season, recapturing the form that made him a relief ace for the Padres. The 24-year-old Sasaki has also impressed as a reliever.

"I think the fastball’s better," Roberts said of Sasaki. "I think the split’s better. It’s also nice that he’s already done it. So, just in total, he’s just a better pitcher than he was last year and a lot more confident. And certainly, the stuff was really good the last couple outings."

Four of the six fastballs Sasaki threw were clocked at over 100 mph, with the other two exceeding 99 mph.

"Overall, he just keeps getting better," Scott said of Sasaki. "Even when he was starting, I thought he was pretty dominant. For him to get moved to the bullpen as we go into October, it’s huge for us."

Sasaki began the season as a starter, posting a 2-0 record with a 3.05 earned-run average after the All-Star break. A blister on his pitching hand led to an injured list stint, and upon his return, he transitioned to a relief role.

In his previous relief appearance on Tuesday against the San Diego Padres, Sasaki also struck out two batters in a scoreless inning.

"Throughout the season, I’ve sharpened myself technically," Sasaki said through a translator. "Compared to last year, I feel much better in that respect."

Roberts indicated that Sasaki is likely to pitch in the regular-season finale on Sunday. He also noted the possibility of utilizing Scott in earlier, high-leverage situations against dangerous opposing hitters during the playoffs.

Scott expressed his willingness to pitch in any role.

"Just get outs," Scott said. "That’s all that matters in October. Get outs.

"October is about winning every single game. It really doesn’t matter what roles you get asked to do. Just go out there and do it."