Roki Sasaki's Rocky Start and Remarkable Recovery
The journey of Roki Sasaki with the Los Angeles Dodgers has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. The Japanese rookie, who signed with the team for a reported $6.5 million bonus, faced a disastrous MLB debut earlier in the 2025 season. Struggles with command and a right shoulder impingement sidelined him since May, casting doubts on his ability to adapt to the major leagues. However, after months of rehabilitation and adjustments, Sasaki returned to the mound on September 24 in a new role as a reliever, showcasing an entirely different level of performance.
Since his return, Sasaki has been untouchable, not allowing a single run in his relief appearances leading up to the postseason. His ability to hit triple-digit speeds, with fastballs clocking up to 101 mph, has stunned fans and analysts alike. Posts found on X highlight his dominance, noting multiple pitches over 99 mph in single outings, including six pitches at 100 mph or more during a recent game. This resurgence has positioned him as a critical asset for the Dodgers as they push through the 2025 MLB playoffs.
A New Role as the Dodgers' Shutdown Closer
In a surprising turn of events, Sasaki has emerged as the Dodgers' primary closer during the postseason. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Sasaki would be the 'primary option' in save situations, a decision solidified by his electric performances in October. In a pivotal game against the Cincinnati Reds, Sasaki closed out the match with just 11 pitches, propelling the Dodgers to face the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS. His performance in Game 4 of the NLDS, combining with Tyler Glasnow for nine scoreless innings and 10 strikeouts, further cemented his status as a go-to reliever.
Sasaki's transformation is attributed to significant mechanical adjustments, particularly in his delivery timing. As reported on various platforms, he worked on avoiding early pelvis rotation, a flaw that previously hampered his control. 'Rotating the pelvis early is just death to everything,' Sasaki noted through an interpreter, emphasizing the importance of this tweak. His devastating splitter, with sub-600 RPM, paired with a fastball averaging 98.3 mph during rehab starts, has made him nearly unhittable, drawing comparisons to legends like Mariano Rivera from MLB insiders.
Impact on Dodgers' World Series Aspirations
The Dodgers have long sought stability in their bullpen, and Sasaki's emergence as a dominant closer could be the missing piece in their quest for another World Series title. His ability to strike out batters with ease—evidenced by eight strikeouts in just 4.2 innings during a rehab start with the OKC Comets—has bolstered confidence in the team's late-inning strategy. Fans and commentators on social media platforms have lauded his 'jaw-dropping stuff,' with some calling him the 'second coming of Mariano Rivera,' a testament to his potential impact.
As the postseason progresses, Sasaki's role will likely become even more critical. With each appearance, he continues to prove that his early struggles were merely a stepping stone to greatness. The Dodgers, already a powerhouse with talents like Shohei Ohtani, now have an additional weapon in their arsenal. If Sasaki maintains this level of performance, Los Angeles could be well on its way to securing another championship, with their rookie reliever playing a starring role in the narrative.