Dodgers Moving Forward with Rookie Closer

Roki Sasaki to Take Over Closer Role for Dodgers

Not the Same

The Dodgers lead the series 2-0, but it hasn’t been without some late-inning drama. Last night, right-hander Blake Treinen, who got some huge outs in the 2024 postseason, was handed a three-run lead in the ninth. However, he quickly surrendered two of those runs, without recording an out. He had to be pulled from the game. Treinen has struggled with injuries and his control this year. His ERA has uncharacteristically ballooned to almost 15.00 in the closing weeks of the season.

Is Necessity the Mother of Invention?

Unfortunately, the lack of control has infected the large majority of the relief corps. Los Angeles has struggled to get high-leverage outs from its bullpen, particularly after the All-Star Break. As a result, they have lost quite a few potential wins. By contrast, their six-man starting rotation has been nothing short of spectacular. Consequently, they have relied on the starting rotation to get the game and the lead to the ninth inning. Enter Roki Sasaki.

Role Reversal

Roki Sasaki was a highly sought-after free agent signing. However, Sasaki had a lot of growing pains as a starter, then a shoulder impingement caused his season to come to a screeching halt in early May. There was some talk that the young right-hander would miss the rest of the season, especially since the velocity of his fastball was down. However, the Dodgers experimented with Sasaki pitching in relief at Triple-A Oklahoma City. Thus far, the Dodgers are reaping the rewards. The rookie has been nearly unhittable. He has made three appearances in the postseason and has yet to allow a run. The Dodgers may be worried about his workload. But if he keeps getting pivotal outs, they may have no choice but to use him.