Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani praised rookie right-hander Roki Sasaki after his high-leverage performances this postseason.
Sasaki has become an increasingly important part of the Dodgers’ bullpen throughout the postseason, first coming out in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds in Game 2 of the Wild Card series to close out a game, then coming in for his first two MLB saves on the road against the Philadelphia Phillies.
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He made his most impressive performance to date in Game 4 against the Phillies, pitching three innings and retiring all nine batters he faced.
“Yeah, I think he’s been put in a very difficult situation being his first year coming back from a rehab and switching to a reliever role, so I think in a sense, I’m very impressed with how reliable he has been,” Ohtani said.
“I’m sure the organization, the coaching staff has been putting him in these high-leverage situations with a lot of confidence.”
The right-hander has made huge strides since the beginning of the season, when he struggled as a starter. He made eight starts before landing on the injured list with right shoulder impingement in May, and posted a 4.72 ERA through 34.1 innings. He found his groove during his rehab assignment, where he made a minor adjustment to his delivery, and moved into a bullpen role to support the Dodgers’ struggling relievers during September.
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Sasaki made two appearances out of the pen in the regular season and didn’t allow a run through two innings.
Now, as the Dodgers’ go-to reliever in high-leverage situations, Sasaki will play a huge role for the remainder of the postseason, and clearly has the trust of his coaches and teammates. He allowed his first run of the postseason against the Brewers in Game 1 of the NLCS, though the Dodgers still pulled through and won the opening game.
Sasaki gave the Dodgers another strong performance in their Game 3 victory over the Brewers, retiring the side in the ninth to set up LA for the sweep Friday.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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3 Responses
The best game I’ve ever watched in baseball. The Dodgers were hungry and no one could stand in their way tonight! Love those boys. I’m a 76 yr old grandma!
Dodgers is truly kickin’!
Love your insight and perspective!!