Roki Sasaki Impresses Again in Dodgers Relief Outing
On September 26th (September 27th Japan time), Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (23) made his second relief appearance in Major League Baseball during a road game against the Seattle Mariners. Sasaki pitched one inning, allowing one hit but no runs, and recorded two strikeouts, including a swinging strikeout of veteran hitter Jed Lowrie.
Manager Roberts’ Praise
After the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (53) offered glowing praise for Sasaki’s performance.
Roberts highlighted Sasaki’s poise on the mound, especially after giving up a hit to Randy Arozarena. Instead of showing nerves, Sasaki responded confidently, striking out batters and keeping control of the inning.
“The quality of his pitches didn’t drop at all. In fact, it was good to see how he reacted after allowing a hit. He didn’t waver. That’s exactly what we hoped for. We are excited about him—no, I can say we are definitely excited. He’s showing fire and emotion, and that’s a positive thing for the team,” Roberts said.
No More Regular Season Appearances
Roberts confirmed that Sasaki will not pitch again in the final two regular-season games. When asked whether Sasaki might appear in the bullpen during the upcoming Wild Card Series starting September 30 (October 1 Japan time), Roberts kept the answer cautious:
“We’ll see. It’s a tough decision, but we have to make the right one.”
Key Matchup Against Lowrie
One of the highlights of the outing was Sasaki’s showdown with Jed Lowrie. Roberts admitted he was eager to see how Sasaki would handle such an experienced hitter:
“That was a matchup I wanted to watch. Roki executed well, and it showed the quality of his pitches. He forced hitters to stay honest with a strong fastball, and his splitter is a special pitch—it kept generating swings and misses.”
A Different Pitcher Than in April
Just days earlier, Roberts had commented that Sasaki looked like a completely different pitcher compared to the beginning of the season. Asked again after the Mariners game, Roberts elaborated:
“Exactly. In April, the outcome would have been different. Now, he has regained the command he had in Japan. His fastball is alive again, and his splitter looks like a strike before dropping out of the zone. In short, he has become a completely different pitcher. His confidence, his pitches, and his physical condition have all improved dramatically.”
Looking Ahead
Sasaki’s journey with the Dodgers continues to draw attention not only for his performance but also for his growth as a competitor. From regaining control of his fastball to showcasing his devastating splitter on the MLB stage, he is proving himself capable of handling pressure situations.
Although his role in the postseason remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Roki Sasaki has the Dodgers—and baseball fans worldwide—excited for what’s to come.
