Armed with a blistering 100-mph fastball, Roki Sasaki returns from injury to bolster a star-studded pitching staff as the Los Angeles Dodgers hunt for a third consecutive World Series.
The Los Angeles Dodgers approached Roki Sasaki about returning to the bullpen because their postseason rotation is already set with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tarik Skubal and Tyler Glasnow.
Los Angeles still needs Sasaki’s talent and ability to cover innings during the postseason. The organization therefore asked him to accept a relief role for the second consecutive October.
Tuesday’s 7-0 victory over the red-hot San Diego Padres demonstrated the depth already available in the Dodgers bullpen. Eight pitchers combined to complete the shutout during a bullpen game, with Sasaki making his first appearance in nearly a month.
The right-hander had not pitched since a blister burst on his right middle finger Aug. 26 against the Atlanta Braves.
Sasaki’s first pitch registered 99.7 mph. Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill attempted to attack it immediately but swung and missed.
Sasaki retired Merrill and the next hitter before surrendering consecutive singles. He responded by striking out reigning National League Player of the Week Jake Cronenworth with a splitter.
Sasaki’s role moving forward
The Dodgers intend to use Sasaki twice more from the bullpen during their final five regular season games. He will then prepare for the postseason, where he emerged as a breakout closer during Los Angeles’ 2025 World Series run.
According to Sonja Chen from MLB.com, Sasaki said he would embrace any opportunity the Dodgers provided. Whether asked to cover one inning or several, his focus will remain on performing effectively.
“I’m just going to do my best, whatever opportunity I’m given,” Sasaki said.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a couple of innings or not, just go out there and perform.”
Sasaki proved in the 2025 postseason that he could succeed as a reliever. He recorded an 0.84 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with three saves and two holds in 10.2 innings over nine appearances.
The right-hander is 5-5 with a 4.56 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 120.1 innings across 24 appearances (23 starts) this season.
Sasaki’s upside
Sasaki had begun improving before the blister interrupted his progress. He went 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 3.44 FIP in his final four starts before the injury, recording 26 strikeouts and seven walks in 24 innings.
He completed at least five innings while allowing no more than two earned runs in three of those four starts. Sasaki also won his last two decisions.
His arsenal could become even more dangerous during shorter appearances. Sasaki can attack hitters with maximum intensity without managing his energy for a full start, making his fastball and splitter more difficult to handle.
He also offers flexibility because he can protect a lead, enter during the middle innings or cover multiple frames when necessary.
Accepting another bullpen assignment demonstrates adaptability and commitment to the Dodgers’ immediate needs. Sasaki has already handled postseason pressure successfully and understands the urgency attached to every pitch.
His velocity returned immediately Tuesday, but his response after allowing consecutive singles revealed his strong mindset. Sasaki remained composed, trusted his splitter and finished the inning by retiring one of San Diego’s hottest hitters.
