Is Roki Sasaki Now the Dodgers’ Closer for 2025 Postseason

The Los Angeles Dodgers haven’t officially labeled Roki Sasaki their closer, but after his sensational postseason debut, it’s hard to argue he hasn’t already taken over. The 23-year-old rookie from Japan stepped in to slam the door on the Cincinnati Reds in Game 2 of the NL Wild Card series, locking up an 8-4 win and the sweep.

He showed poise, eye-popping velocity, and a forkball that just drops off the table. Sasaki instantly became the ninth-inning anchor the Dodgers have been hunting for all year.

From Rookie to Ninth-Inning Force

Sasaki’s move into the relief role felt dramatic, even cinematic. He’d never pitched out of the bullpen before this season, but in a high-pressure playoff spot, he dominated.

His inning included two strikeouts, seven blazing fastballs — six over 100 mph — and that forkball that made Reds hitters look lost.

A Commanding Postseason Debut

The ninth inning in Game 2 wasn’t just about getting a save. It was about making a statement.

The Dodger Stadium crowd didn’t wait — they were chanting “Sasaki!” after just his second pitch. Teammates got caught up in it too. Max Muncy just shook his head and said, “Wow.”

Dodgers’ Bullpen Woes Before Sasaki’s Emergence

The Dodgers’ bullpen has been all over the place this season, with late-inning meltdowns nearly derailing their playoff push. In the Cincinnati series, the lack of a steady closer stuck out like a sore thumb.

Before Sasaki’s outing, four different relievers — Tanner Scott, Edgardo Henriquez, Jack Dreyer, and Emmet Sheehan — all got their shot to protect leads. None of them inspired much confidence, to put it gently.

Management’s Measured Response

Even after that dazzling performance, both President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and manager Dave Roberts wouldn’t officially call Sasaki the closer. They said they didn’t want to heap too much pressure on a young pitcher still adjusting to the big leagues.

Still, they admitted he’ll get the ball in high-leverage situations from now on — which sounds like a pretty clear nod to his new gig.

High-Leverage Future for Sasaki

The title might be unofficial, but the job’s already his. In October, roles shift based on who delivers under pressure.

Sasaki’s blend of velocity, control, and calm under fire makes it feel like the ninth inning is now his territory.

Why Sasaki’s Performance Matters

The Dodgers haven’t had a real intimidation factor in the ninth for a while. Sasaki’s high-octane stuff changes everything.

Opposing hitters have to guess: triple-digit heat or that nasty forkball? For the Dodgers, it’s a huge mental boost knowing they can slam the door with authority.

Potential X-Factor in Championship Push

October baseball is all about pitching depth, but elite teams always seem to have that one closer who just ends games. If Sasaki keeps this up, the Dodgers finally have their bullpen weapon — an X-factor who could swing any tight game their way.

Key Takeaways from Sasaki’s Breakout

Sasaki’s debut didn’t just excite the fan base. It might’ve changed the Dodgers’ entire postseason outlook.

• Instant Impact: He threw a dominant inning in his first postseason outing and suddenly the Dodgers’ bullpen didn’t look so shaky.
• Unexpected Role: He jumped into relief work and adapted, even though he’d never done it before.
• Fan Connection: The crowd got behind him right away, and you could feel the energy shift.
• Management Confidence: The team hasn’t called him the closer, but they trust him with the biggest moments.

In one inning, Roki Sasaki went from a late-season experiment to a postseason weapon. Whether or not the Dodgers ever call him their closer, his presence in the ninth inning is now a huge deal for their October run.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Commentary: Is Roki Sasaki the Dodgers’ closer now? ‘That’s what we need right there’