What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The Los Angeles Dodgers are exploring the possibility of using Roki Sasaki as a reliever in the playoffs due to ongoing bullpen issues. Sasaki, who has not pitched in a major league game for over four months due to shoulder problems, recently transitioned to a relief role in the minors. His performance in Triple-A Oklahoma City has shown promise, with Sasaki reaching 100 mph in a scoreless inning. The Dodgers are considering Sasaki as a late-inning option, reflecting the team's desperation to address bullpen challenges.
Why It's Important?
The Dodgers' bullpen struggles have persisted, prompting the team to consider unconventional solutions like Sasaki's transition to a relief role. His potential inclusion in high-leverage situations could impact the team's playoff strategy and performance. The decision to rely on Sasaki, despite his limited experience as a reliever, underscores the urgency to find effective bullpen solutions. If successful, Sasaki's role could provide the Dodgers with a valuable asset in their postseason campaign.
What's Next?
Sasaki is expected to rejoin the Dodgers for their upcoming series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, with the earliest availability to pitch being Wednesday. The team will evaluate his performance in these games to determine his suitability for high-pressure playoff situations. The Dodgers must balance the risk of using Sasaki with the potential benefits of his successful relief outings, as they aim to strengthen their bullpen for the postseason.
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