What's Happening?
Roki Sasaki, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, successfully secured a save in the team's 5-3 victory against the Philadelphia Phillies during Game 1 of the National League Division Series. Sasaki, who had been sidelined for over four months due to a right shoulder impingement, made a strong return to the Dodgers' bullpen in the final week of the regular season. In the ninth inning, Sasaki struck out J.T. Realmuto, allowed a double to Max Kepler, and then retired Nick Castellanos and Bryson Stott to preserve the win. His performance was notable for hitting triple digits with his fastball four times in just 11 pitches.
Why It's Important?
Sasaki's return and performance are significant for the Dodgers, who have faced challenges with their bullpen throughout the season. His ability to deliver under pressure in a postseason game highlights his potential impact on the team's playoff run. The Dodgers' decision to include Sasaki on the postseason roster underscores their confidence in his abilities to contribute meaningfully. This development could bolster the Dodgers' chances of advancing further in the playoffs, providing them with a reliable option in high-stakes situations.
What's Next?
As the series progresses, the Dodgers will likely continue to rely on Sasaki in critical relief situations. His performance in Game 1 may lead to increased trust from manager Dave Roberts, potentially resulting in more opportunities for Sasaki to close out games. The Dodgers will aim to capitalize on this momentum as they seek to advance past the Phillies and continue their pursuit of a World Series title.
