Roki Sasaki has been the closer in the two games that the Los Angeles Dodgers have played against the Philadelphia Phillies and he has done so in an unbeatable way. That was why the fans of the Pennsylvania team booed the Japanese rookie, who responded in epic fashion to the whistles and possible insults. Remember that Dave Roberts’ team took a 2-0 lead in the National League Division Series.
Since rejoining the team in late September, Sasaki has looked like a completely different pitcher from the one who struggled immensely earlier in the year. Probably a combination of overhauling his mechanics, recovering and gaining confidence, Sasaki has shown the talent that had the entire fan base euphoric about his signing with the franchise in January.
“I don’t really understand English very well” – Roki Sasaki on Phillies boos
In his last five appearances, Sasaki has not allowed a single earned run. In 4.1 innings pitched, he has allowed only two hits and struck out seven. The fastball routinely hovers around 100 mph, something we didn’t see earlier in the year when it was in the 94-96 mph range. Also, the splitter (ask JT Realmuto) looks like one of the deadliest pitches in baseball.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts certainly threw Sasaki into the deep end on Monday. He came into a tense situation with the Dodgers holding a one-run lead. With National League batting champion Trea Turner at the plate, Sasaki got him to roll meekly to second to end the game. When asked about the loud crowd in Philadelphia along with the boos, Sasaki had a brilliant response.
“I don’t really understand English very well, so I don’t know what they were saying, and I didn’t care,” he said. “I’ve had similar experiences in Japan, so I think I was able to pitch without worrying about that kind of thing.” Based on how the bullpen has performed, there is no doubt that Sasaki is the best closing option right now. Whether Roberts wants to name him the closer publicly or not, the results speak for themselves.
Jesus Luzardo revived Roy Halladay’s historic mark
Jesus Luzardo put on a sensational show for the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday, October 6, reminiscent of a historic performance by the late Roy Halladay. The Philadelphia Phillies needed a relentless performance from the Venezuelan-born player
The left-hander finished the regular season with a 15-7 record and a 3.92 ERA in 32 appearances. This was the kind of dominance needed for the second game, as they lost the first one 5-3. But, in the letter was also Blake Snell, a pitcher with high experience in the postseason. Since Luzardo joined the Phillies in the offseason, his presence has been a great help.
He even posted a 3.9 WAR, the 11th best in the National League among starters, tied with Chris Sale and Logan Webb. In 2026, he will have his last salary arbitration and for the 2027 season he will be declared a free agent, which will undoubtedly be a pitcher very much sought after by multiple Major League Baseball (MLB) organizations. So if he continues with this great performance, many will want him on their roster.
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