With the postseason looming, no team will miss the chance to exploit a struggling bullpen, and the Los Angeles Dodgers are well aware of this. While their starting rotation has been stellar, an unreliable bullpen could jeopardize their chances. For Dave Roberts and the Dodgers, making critical decisions now could bring them closer to becoming the first team to win consecutive World Series.
A Possible Solution to the Dodgers’ Woes
In this regard, there’s a potential option that could bolster the rotation: Roki Sasaki. Although he lacks postseason experience and hasn’t pitched since May, he could become a secret weapon for Dave Roberts and the Dodgers. With October approaching, Roberts has dropped hints about Sasaki’s return, suggesting he could even serve as a reliever to strengthen the team’s bullpen.
“Roki was really good. The stuff was good. He’ll fly to Arizona to come meet us there,” Roberts said. “We’re going to have a conversation, but he won’t be available to pitch until Wednesday.”
Sasaki increased his fastball’s average velocity to 98.6 mph and struck out eight batters in 4.2 innings during his rehab start on September 9. However, he has primarily worked out of the bullpen since, throwing just one inning in each appearance.
“The first thing is you have to see how he responds to something he’s never done,” Roberts said. “Looking at the Thursday-Sunday, two days in between, it’s probably one-inning bursts. But if it does happen, the postseason is very unpredictable.”
Roberts acknowledges areas where Sasaki needs improvement but remains confident that the Japanese pitcher can make an impact in the postseason. Sasaki posted a 4.72 ERA in his first eight MLB starts, but considering his impressive 2.10 ERA over four seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, expectations for him in the postseason would be sky-high if he returns to the team.
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