Dodgers Activate Roki Sasaki to Bolster Struggling Bullpen

The Los Angeles Dodgers pulled off a wild extra-inning win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, edging them 5-4 in 11 frames on Wednesday night in Phoenix.

While the victory keeps Los Angeles right in the thick of the NL West race, the real intrigue came from two pitchers—one just starting his MLB journey, the other winding down a legendary career.

Japanese rookie Roki Sasaki made his MLB relief debut after months out with injury.

Meanwhile, veteran icon Clayton Kershaw stepped into an unfamiliar bullpen role as the Dodgers try to patch together their pitching staff for the stretch run.

Roki Sasaki’s Electric Return

Sasaki, just 23, came off the 60-day injured list earlier in the day.

It was his first outing since May 9, when a shoulder injury sidelined him.

Before Wednesday, all eight of his big-league appearances had been starts.

Manager Dave Roberts decided to ease him back in by using him out of the bullpen in a high-leverage spot.

A Dominant Seventh Inning

Sasaki got the call to protect a tight lead and wasted no time showing why the Dodgers missed him.

He struck out two, fired a fastball that touched 100 mph, and looked every bit the phenom scouts raved about when he signed out of Japan’s Chiba Lotte Marines.

Roberts said he liked not just Sasaki’s stuff but also his sharper confidence.

The simplified relief role seemed to bring out something extra in him.

Fans in Phoenix got a glimpse of what Sasaki might bring in October.

His ability to handle late-game situations adds a fresh weapon to a Dodgers bullpen that’s drawn plenty of criticism lately.

Clayton Kershaw Adapts to a New Role

While Sasaki’s story is just starting, Wednesday night brought another twist for Clayton Kershaw—the 37-year-old future Hall of Famer who’s already said this is his last season.

Kershaw, known for his dominance as a starter, made his first relief appearance of the year in the ninth inning.

Postseason Flexibility

Kershaw retired three straight batters, showing that even in a new role, his poise and command haven’t faded.

Afterward, he said he’s open to pitching out of the bullpen in the postseason if that’s what the team needs.

Roberts, who’s managed Kershaw for years, said he trusts the lefty to handle high-pressure moments.

Dodgers Bullpen Concerns and Solutions

The Dodgers’ bullpen has been under a microscope, especially after Tanner Scott’s blown save in Tuesday’s loss to Arizona.

Relief breakdowns have stung the Dodgers in several tight games this year.

Wednesday suggested they might have some answers—like using starters in relief to get ready for October and letting high-upside arms ease into shorter outings.

The Japanese Connection in Los Angeles

Sasaki isn’t the only player with Japanese baseball roots on this roster.

He joins superstars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, giving LA a trio of Japanese standouts you just don’t see elsewhere.

Their collective skills add depth and international star power, which could be huge when the postseason spotlight hits.

Ohtani brings unmatched offense, Yamamoto offers reliability in the rotation, and Sasaki’s electric fastball now threatens hitters late in games.

Key Takeaways From Wednesday’s Win

The Dodgers’ 5-4 victory in extra innings wasn’t just another regular-season win. Honestly, it felt like a sneak peek at how they might handle their pitching in October.

The way they mixed young arms with old-school know-how could shape their postseason chances.

• Roki Sasaki came back from injury and made a strong relief debut.
• Clayton Kershaw showed he can handle a bullpen role if that’s what the team needs.
• The bullpen’s improvement looks crucial for any real playoff run.
• Adding more Japanese talent doesn’t just help the roster—it brings a cool global vibe to the Dodgers.

With the regular season wrapping up, Los Angeles keeps tinkering with their pitching options. They’re clearly not afraid to try new things as October looms.

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