Dodgers have familiar Roki Sasaki spot for postseason

The Los Angeles Dodgers hoped to keep pitcher Roki Sasaki stretched out as rotation depth as the postseason approaches. Instead, the Dodgers will begin their playoff plans for Sasaki as soon as he is activated from the Injured List.

Sonja Chen of MLB.com reported that manager Dave Roberts said Sasaki will be available out of the bullpen beginning with their series against the Padres. That move to the bullpen will continue throughout of the postseason.

Sasaki had worked strictly as a starter before landing on the IL. Although his overall performance - a 4.60 ERA and a 1.332 WHiP over his 119.1 innings - is still far from what was expected when he signed during the 2024-25 offseason, it is a step in the right direction. Sasaki struck out 117 batters with 48 walks in that time as he improved his K/9 and BB/9 rates over his rookie campaign.

Move to bullpen worked for Roki Sasaki, Los Angeles Dodgers during 2025 postseason

The Dodgers are hoping that Sasaki can replicate his success from the 2025 postseason. He quickly became one of the few relievers Roberts could trust as the Dodgers marched to a second consecutive World Series title, moving into high-leverage situations while seeing action as their closer. He posted a 0.84 ERA and a 1.031 WHiP over his 10.2 innings in the 2025 postseason, recording three saves while striking out six batters with five walks.

In some ways, the Los Angeles Dodgers are still trying to figure out what they have in Sasaki. If he can replicate his success during the postseason, the Dodgers may be closer to having an answer.