Roki Sasaki finds new rhythm in Dodgers bullpen role as he seeks redemption in postseason spotlight
Roki Sasaki, once hailed as one of the most coveted talents during the MLB offseason just under a year ago, has seen his journey with the Los Angeles Dodgers take a few unexpected turns. Initially perceived as a luxury addition to an already star-studded roster, Sasaki joined a team that had recently acquired Blake Snell and was anticipating the return of Shohei Ohtani to the mound. At just 23 years old, Sasaki opted for a destination where the weight of ace-like expectations would be lighter, even amidst the Dodgers’ perennial pursuit of glory in a World Series-or-bust culture.
As his rookie season unfolded, however, it became evident that things weren’t proceeding as planned. The upcoming postseason now presents him with a chance to reshape his narrative as he eyes a brighter future.
Sasaki’s Rocky Start
After entering the season as a member of the Dodgers’ rotation, Sasaki faced significant challenges in his first eight starts. With a 5.09 ERA and persistent control issues, he struggled to find his footing. The situation worsened when a shoulder impingement forced him onto the injured list in early May. Throughout the summer, doubts lingered regarding his ability to pitch again this season. However, as August rolled around, manager Dave Roberts began to share more optimistic updates, and Sasaki embarked on a rehab assignment with hopes of returning in September.
Initially, he was set to return as a starter, but a shift in strategy soon took place. With the Dodgers’ rotation returning to full strength, featuring Ohtani, Snell, Clayton Kershaw, and Tyler Glasnow, the team reassessed Sasaki’s role. The question loomed: would it be wise to place an inexperienced pitcher back in the rotation during a critical postseason race, especially knowing he couldn’t deliver the same length as his fellow starters?
A New Role in the Bullpen
As the Dodgers’ bullpen faced struggles in the closing weeks of the regular season, the decision to transition Sasaki to a relief role became clearer. With his exceptional raw talent, Roberts believed that utilizing Sasaki in a one-inning role would allow him to unleash his full potential without the pressures of being a starter.
In the final week of the regular season, Sasaki made two relief appearances, showcasing his capabilities by allowing no runs on just one hit over two innings of work. This shift not only maximized his skills but also provided the Dodgers with a valuable asset in the bullpen as they geared up for October.
Assessing the Rookie Season
Across his rookie campaign, Sasaki accumulated a 4.46 ERA over 36.1 innings, which included his two September relief outings. His season statistics revealed a struggle with control, highlighted by a walk rate of 5.9 batters per nine innings during his time in the rotation.
Sasaki’s Background and Contract
Hailing from Rikuzentakata, Japan, Sasaki previously pitched for the Chiba Lotte Marines before making the jump to Major League Baseball after the 2024 season. Despite his impressive pedigree, his contract situation reflects the complexities of MLB rules for international players. Since Sasaki was under 25 when he transitioned to the majors, he was classified as an amateur international free agent, limiting his ability to secure a lucrative signing like his teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto did a year prior.
The Dodgers extended a $6.5 million signing bonus to Sasaki, but like many other rookies, he will earn near-minimum wages until he becomes arbitration-eligible. His rookie deal is set to run through the 2030 season, ensuring that the Dodgers won’t face significant salary obligations until at least his first arbitration eligibility in 2028.
As Sasaki prepares for the postseason, the fresh start in the bullpen could be the catalyst he needs to solidify his place in the Dodgers’ future plans. With the spotlight now on him, the opportunity for redemption is ripe as he strives to make an impactful contribution in October.
