The Los Angeles Dodgers had been desperate to find a reliever they could trust to close out the game. Ahead of the 2025 season, the defending champions signed Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal that seemingly secured a closer for LA.
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By the time October arrived, it was clear Scott would not be the Dodgers' go-to-guy for the ninth.
While the Dodgers will still need Scott and other relievers like Alex Vesia and Blake Treinen to step up in the NLDS, it appears LA has found a much-needed spark in their bullpen.
Roki Sasaki began the 2025 season as somewhat of a disappointment. The right-hander made eight shaky starts with a 4.72 ERA before landing on the injured list with right shoulder impingement.
Sasaki looked nothing like the pitcher he was in NPB, where his splitter was practically unhittable. His velocity had drastically dropped on his fastball and he lacked command that had made him one of the best young arms in the sport.
Nevertheless, his time away proved to be beneficial for the rookie as Sasaki has become somewhat of a secret weapon for the Dodgers bullpen.
"We've talked about this - I don't think our bullpen struggles are talent-related. It's execution," president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. "We see it with walking guys and getting behind in counts, which to me comes from confidence. So we have to figure out a way to spark that and if Roki's outing tonight is that spark, it wouldn't surprise me."
Dave Roberts agreed with Friedman.
"I think so. I hope so," Roberts said in response to Sasaki being a spark. "I hope it's something that energizes the guys in the pen, motivates them, because everyone wants innings and opportunities. And, so, hopefully with what Roki's done motivates guys to go after guys and pitch well, and so they can earn those opportunities as well."
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