Los Angeles Dodgers overcame the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 over the weekend to take the lead in the Divisional Series. Roki Sasaki pitched in relief to support his team from the mound, a new role that the Japanese player admits he is delighted with. Dave Roberts‘ team plays Game 2 of the round against ‘The Fightins’ in Pennsylvania on Monday.
The Dodgers didn’t sign Roki Sasaki to be a relief pitcher, but he could be the most important and dominant one left in the playoffs. It happened almost by accident when the Dodgers’ supposed Japanese phenom struggled to adjust in his first season in the United States. He had a mediocre start and then hurt his shoulder, finding his way to the injured list in May
“It’s fun to be able to contribute to the game” – Roki Sasaki
Sasaki has now finished two playoff games for Los Angeles so far: the decisive wild-card game against the Cincinnati Reds and Game 1 of the NLDS against the Phillies. He has allowed one hit with three strikeouts and more than 80 percent of his pitches are strikes. “The fun part about relieving is the opportunity to be able to contribute to the game, to the team every day,” Sasaki told ESPN in a story published Monday.
“The goal was to come back fully healthy and fully ready to pitch again,” he continued, “So I was aware that there might be a possibility that I wouldn’t pitch again in the regular season. There has been a lot of support staff, coaching staff, the people around me who helped me get to where I am today. So, yes, very grateful for that.”
Although manager Dave Roberts has yet to officially name young diamond Roki Sasaki as his closer, his performance in critical situations has been promising. In a regular season game, Sasaki struck out Cal Raleigh, a possible American League MVP, with a runner on second base, demonstrating his ability to shine under pressure.
When will Harrison Bader return to the Phillies?
Bader was not in the starting lineup for Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Dodgers on Monday night after leaving Game 1 with a groin injury. Manager Rob Thomson indicated that Bader could be available to pinch-hit if needed, but playing in the outfield or running the bases at full speed seems out of the question for now.
He felt a little strange…
“He should be able to hit, but he can’t run 100%,” Thomson said. “So that limits his defense.” Thomson called Bader’s groin injury “very mild” and said the Phillies do not consider placing him on the injured list at this time. It is worth noting that removing Bader from the National League Division Series roster due to injury would leave him ineligible for the National League Championship Series if Philadelphia advances.
Bader initially felt the groin issue in the bottom of the fifth inning of Game 1, and commented that “it felt a little weird” running from first to second base. This came after he made a spectacular diving catch in the top of the inning. It was with plays like that in mind that Bader knew he had to mention something to Thomson.
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