The Los Angeles Dodgers have one goal in mind, to defend their World Series crown. After overcoming the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS, the Dodgers now prepare for their next challenge, awaiting the winner between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago Cubs in the divisional semifinals. The team remains focused on maintaining its championship form and advancing deeper into the postseason.
A key figure in that pursuit has been rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki, whose impressive performances have quickly made him one of the most talked-about players in the Dodgers’ rotation. His poise on the mound and exceptional command have earned him praise from teammates and analysts alike as Los Angeles eyes another title run.
Sasaki’s rise has drawn high praise from MLB insiders, with some comparing his pitching style to that of New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera. The young Japanese star’s precision and composure under pressure have sparked excitement among Dodgers fans – and growing belief that he could be a cornerstone for the franchise’s future success.
From Japan to L.A.: Roki Sasaki draws comparisons to Mariano Rivera
Mentioning Mariano Rivera is to speak of true baseball greatness. The Panamanian-American legend spent 19 seasons in Major League Baseball, all with the New York Yankees. During that time, Rivera earned 13 All-Star selections, won five World Series titles, and ultimately secured his place in the MLB Hall of Fame. His dominance as a closer remains one of the most remarkable careers in the sport’s history.
That is why any comparison to Rivera carries significant weight, and Roki Sasaki has earned one. The young Japanese pitcher has quickly made an impression with the Los Angeles Dodgers, delivering performances that have drawn praise from across the league. His composure and precision on the mound have already placed him among the most promising names of this postseason.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today was among those to highlight Sasaki’s stunning rise. Reflecting on the rookie’s turnaround, Nightengale wrote, “It’s hard to believe this was the same guy who looked lost all summer. Sasaki, who was the most sought-after free agent on the market since the cost would be only what a team had left in its international signing pool.”
Nightengale went even further with his praise, adding, “Now, after what he has done in the postseason, allowing just one hit in 5 innings, he looks like the second coming of Mariano Rivera.” The comparison underscores just how impactful Sasaki’s postseason debut has been, and how high his ceiling could be for the Dodgers moving forward.
Dodgers’ Roki Sasaki emerging as a standout star in the MLB playoffs
Roki Sasaki was flawless against the Philadelphia Phillies marking another defining moment in Sasaki’s breakout postseason. Pitching in a tense atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park, the Japanese rookie delivered under immense pressure, securing his first career save with a runner on third base. His composure and precision on the mound silenced the home crowd.
Facing the Phillies again in the NLDS Game 2, he entered with runners on the corners after the bullpen had allowed two runs. The 22-year-old struck out key batters to escape the jam and recorded his second postseason save. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called it “one of the best bullpen performances I can remember,” a testament to Sasaki’s meteoric rise in the team
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