Roki Sasaki Closes Out NLDS Game 1 for Dodgers, Securing Save with High Velocity

Roki Sasaki, reactivated as a reliever in the final week of the season after a right shoulder impingement in early May, secured the save for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their 5-3 NLDS Game 1 win against the Philadelphia Phillies. Sasaki entered in the ninth inning, delivering against the Phillies and getting Bryson Stott to pop up to end the game. He showcased impressive velocity, topping 99 mph on seven of his 11 pitches, including a 100 mph final pitch. This follows his performance in the wild-card series against the Cincinnati Reds, bringing his playoff total to two scoreless innings with three strikeouts. Sasaki, along with Tyler Glasnow and Emmet Sheehan, represents a strategic shift where former starters are contributing significant bullpen innings, leveraging the Dodgers' deep starting pitching talent as noted by President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman.