Dodgers Eye Roki Sasaki as Late-Inning Savior?
The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing bullpen woes as the regular season winds down, leading to a somewhat unconventional solution: Roki Sasaki as a potential playoff reliever. Yes, the same Roki Sasaki who hasn't pitched in a major league game in months due to shoulder issues, and who sported a 4.72 ERA in his eight starts.
Sasaki recently made his debut as a reliever in the minor leagues, sparking speculation about his potential role in the Dodgers' postseason plans. He pitched twice for Triple-A Oklahoma City, reaching 100 mph in a scoreless inning on Thursday and retiring the side on Sunday. These performances have caught the attention of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who has indicated that Sasaki will rejoin the team for their upcoming road series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He could be available as early as Wednesday.
With only a handful of games left before the playoffs, Sasaki's opportunities to pitch for the Dodgers will be limited. This raises the question: will the Dodgers throw him into high-pressure situations to assess his performance in late-inning scenarios?
The Dodgers' exploration of Sasaki as a late-inning option highlights both the rookie's potential and the team's urgent need for bullpen reinforcements. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but it's clear that the Dodgers are exploring all available options as they prepare for the playoffs.
What's Next for Sasaki?
Manager Dave Roberts' decision on how to utilize Sasaki in the remaining regular-season games will be crucial. Will he be eased into high-leverage situations, or will the Dodgers take a more cautious approach? The answer to this question could significantly impact the team's chances in the playoffs.
- Sasaki's performance in the upcoming series against the Diamondbacks will be closely watched.
- The Dodgers' bullpen struggles have put added pressure on Sasaki to perform.
- The potential reward of a dominant late-inning reliever could be a game-changer for the Dodgers' playoff hopes.