When the Los Angeles Dodgers secured the signing of Roki Sasaki last winter, the feeling was that they had found their next rotation ace. His track record in Japan, where he pitched a perfect game in the NPB, presented him as the jewel that could bolster an already solid pitching staff.
But the season did not go as expected. Sasaki suffered physical problems and his MLB debut was more complicated than projected. With the risk of losing him for the rest of the year, the organization made a bold decision: move him to the bullpen and exploit his 100 mph fastball in short outings.
The result was immediate, as in Game 2 of the Wild Card against the Reds, the right-hander needed just 11 pitches to retire the inning, including two strikeouts. That performance not only gave the team confidence, but also opened the door to debate about whether his destiny will be in the bullpen or whether he will return to the rotation.
Dave Roberts’ confidence
Sasaki himself was honest about the change: “The difficulty of pitching as a reliever is the way to warm up; it takes me time. In the playoffs I can do it because I have the endurance of a starter,” he explained.
Although he made it clear that he does not see himself as a full-time reliever, his performance has made him a key piece for this postseason. Meanwhile, Dave Roberts has reiterated his confidence in the Japanese ace.
I would use him in moments of high pressure. The stage is not too big for him and I trust him fully
The Dodgers’ weak point: the bullpen
The reality is that the confidence in Sasaki responds to a greater urgency. The Dodgers bullpen has been a headache at the end of the season. Tanner Scott, signed as a star closer, collapsed in September with three blown saves and a 7.50 ERA. Blake Treinen also failed to find stability, while Alex Vesia and Henriquez struggled with control.
In Game 1 of the series, the Dodgers’ bullpen was exposed: after a seven-inning gem by Blake Snell, the relief corps crumbled, allowing multiple runs in just one inning. This inconsistency forces Roberts to rely on young arms like Sasaki, even if it is not their natural role.
Looking ahead, the plan is to return him to the rotation in 2026, where he can develop his full potential as a starter. For now, his presence is a relief at a critical time and at the same time keeps alive the dream that the bet on the Japanese will really begin to pay off.
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