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Dodgers' solution for closer woes is unexpected, but brilliant
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Dodgers' solution for closer woes is unexpected, but brilliant

The ninth inning has been a concern for the Los Angeles Dodgers since closer Kenley Jansen departed in free agency following the 2021 season.

Since Jansen left, the likes of Craig Kimbrel, Evan Phillips, Daniel Hudson and Tanner Scott have spent time as the Dodgers closer with varying degrees of success. Scott, despite recording 23 saves, was one of the Dodgers' worst pitchers this season, posting a 4.74 ERA and a 1.263 WHIP over 57 innings. The bullpen, once again, was a weak spot heading into the playoffs.

Relief has come from an unexpected source. Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki has dominated as a reliever in the postseason, emerging as manager Dave Roberts' primary closer for the rest of the playoffs. 

Los Angeles Dodgers unlocked Roki Sasaki in unexpected role

Sasaki arrived with plenty of fanfare as the top pitching prospect in the game. The Dodgers planned on slowly building Sasaki up, limiting his pitch count as he acclimated to the majors. However, Sasaki struggled with his mechanics and command. In his eight starts, he posted a 4.72 ERA and a 1.485 WHIP over 34.1 innings, struck out 24 batters with 22 walks. 

A right shoulder impingement in May led to a lengthy stint on the injured list, with Sasaki returning for the final week of the season. He looked dominant in his two relief appearances, allowing just one hit while striking out four batters over two innings. Sasaki has stepped up even more in the playoffs, allowing one hit with three strikeouts over 2.1 innings, recording a pair of saves as he has taken over as the primary closer.

That may be the perfect role for Sasaki going forward. His velocity is back as he has averaged 99.98 mph with his fastball during the postseason. His high-octane fastball and devastating splitter give him an impressive arsenal to record the final three outs. If he can continue to dominate in the ninth inning throughout the postseason, the Dodgers' revolving door at closer may come to an end.

David Hill

Based in the mountains of Vermont, Dave has over a decade of experience writing about all things baseball. Just don't ask his thoughts on the universal DH.

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