Roki Sasaki Shines as Dodgers’ New Closer: A Journey of Resilience and Growth
Introduction
In a season filled with challenges, the Los Angeles Dodgers have turned their attention to rising star Roki Sasaki as the reliable closer they desperately needed. Transitioning from a starter role to a high-stakes relief position, Sasaki’s journey has been both inspiring and transformative.
Early Struggles and Emergence
Despite a shaky start to the season, Roki Sasaki has quickly made a name for himself in the postseason. Originally drafted as a starter, he now holds an impressive 1.29 ERA with three saves during his six relief appearances this postseason. This turnaround was highlighted in the Dodgers’ recent Game 4 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers, where he successfully recorded the final three outs, clinching the series and securing their spot in the World Series.
Key Stats:
- Regular Season: 4.72 ERA in eight starts
- Postseason Achievements: 1.29 ERA, 3 saves in 6 appearances
- Noteworthy Performance: Closed out Game 4 of the NLCS on October 17, 2025
Overcoming Adversity
Sasaki’s year started off tumultuously. Following a right shoulder impingement that placed him on the injured list for 4.5 months, he returned in late September. During his first start at Dodger Stadium in March, he was visibly emotional, leaving the game after just 1⅔ innings.
Manager Dave Roberts reflected on Sasaki’s growth:
“His growth has certainly not been linear… for him to self-reflect and get healthy speaks to his fight.”
This determination to improve eventually led to his training for the closer role, demonstrating a commitment to personal and professional growth.
Transitioning to Relief
The transition from starting pitcher to closer is no small feat. Sasaki himself expressed confidence in adjusting his approach:
“As a starter, I always understand that there’s always ups and downs… and I think what I try to do is just to make sure that all of my mechanics are in place.”
Challenges Faced:
- Pressure of high-leverage situations
- Struggles during initial postseason appearance
Despite an initial rocky outing in Game 1 of the NLCS, where he encountered difficulties with command, Sasaki rebounded strongly. He previously shone during a three-inning relief appearance in Game 4 of the NLDS, keeping the Philadelphia Phillies scoreless.
The Future is Bright
Roki Sasaki’s rise through the Dodgers’ ranks is a testament to his resilience. Entering the free agent market after a winter tour that included meetings with teams like the New York Mets and the New York Yankees, he eventually signed with the Dodgers for $6.5 million on a minor league contract. His decision was influenced by the Dodgers’ successful history with Japanese players, including Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Final Thoughts
With the World Series on the horizon, Roki Sasaki’s journey from a struggling starter to a reliable closer encapsulates the spirit of perseverance. As the Dodgers look to secure their championship, Sasaki will remain a pivotal player to watch.
For those interested in the latest updates on the Dodgers and Sasaki’s performance, check out the official Los Angeles Dodgers website or follow recent news on ESPN for the most comprehensive coverage of MLB events.
By keeping an eye on players like Roki Sasaki, baseball fans can appreciate the intricate dynamics of player development, resilience, and the thrill of the postseason.
