Roki Sasaki Steals the Show: Young Phenom Closes Out Reds in Spectacular Fashion

Look, I’ve seen plenty of promising rookies flame out faster than a cheap firework, but Roki Sasaki? This kid might actually be the real deal. After spending most of 2025 nursing a shoulder injury that had Dodgers fans wondering if they’d made a costly mistake, Sasaki stepped up when it mattered most—closing out the Cincinnati Reds with a dominant ninth inning that had Dodger Stadium absolutely electric.

Sasaki’s Redemption Story Unfolds in October

Remember when Sasaki looked shakier than a leaf in a hurricane during his early-season starts? Those days feel like ancient history now. The 23-year-old Japanese sensation, who posted a forgettable 4.72 ERA through eight starts before his injury, emerged from his four-month rehabilitation looking like a completely different pitcher. And honestly, it’s about time.

The transformation wasn’t just physical—though touching 101.4 mph will certainly grab your attention. Sasaki’s mental approach has undergone a complete overhaul. Gone are the emotional moments and visible frustration that plagued his early appearances. In their place stands a confident closer who actually wants the ball in pressure situations. What a concept, right?

“That’s a guy who started the year as a starter,” infielder Miguel Rojas noted. “We all know the potential. But he’s been looking so good out of the bullpen, and he wants the ball. That’s what I want.”

When the Bullpen Struggled, Sasaki Stepped Up

Let’s be brutally honest here—the Dodgers‘ bullpen has been about as reliable as a chocolate teapot this postseason. Through two Wild Card games, LA relievers managed to throw 100 pitches while allowing five earned runs on seven walks and four hits in the eighth inning alone. Yikes.

Veterans like Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, and Kirby Yates—guys the organization expected to lean on—have struggled to find their groove all season. So when manager Dave Roberts needed someone to slam the door shut against Cincinnati, he turned to the most unlikely candidate: a rookie making just his fifth professional relief appearance.

The Moment That Changed Everything

Picture this: Dodger Stadium buzzing with nervous energy after another shaky eighth inning performance. Then “Bailalo Rocky” starts blaring over the speakers, and suddenly everyone’s on their feet as Sasaki jogs in from the bullpen. The atmosphere shift was palpable—like watching a crowd realize they’re about to witness something special.

What followed was nothing short of masterful. Sasaki carved through the heart of Cincinnati’s lineup with surgical precision, using a devastating combination of triple-digit heat and an 87 mph splitter that had batters looking foolish. Spencer Steer and Gavin Lux both went down swinging on nasty splitters, while Austin Hays managed only a weak lineout to shortstop on a four-seamer.

Eleven pitches. Three outs. Game over. Series over. And suddenly, the Dodgers have a new weapon in their arsenal.

Could Sasaki Be LA’s Answer at Closer?

Here’s where things get interesting—and slightly ridiculous. Some insiders are actually floating the idea of Sasaki as the Dodgers’ closer going forward. Six months ago, that would have sounded like complete madness. A rookie starter transitioning to ninth-inning duty after a significant injury? Please.

But after watching him dominate in such a high-pressure situation, maybe it’s not so crazy after all. Manager Dave Roberts has already indicated his trust in the young right-hander, and the president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, seems open to using Sasaki in leverage situations.

“He’s going to get important outs for us,” Friedman said when asked about Sasaki’s role. “I don’t know when.”

The Numbers Don’t Lie

While we’re still dealing with a small sample size, Sasaki’s transformation has been remarkable. His velocity has increased significantly since returning from injury, and more importantly, his command and confidence have improved dramatically. The pitcher who struggled through emotional starts earlier this year now looks like he belongs on baseball’s biggest stage.

Max Muncy’s reaction says it all: “Wow. That’s really all you can say, is wow. That’s what we need right there.”

What This Means for the NLDS

As the Dodgers prepare to face the Philadelphia Phillies in the Division Series, they suddenly find themselves with an unexpected weapon. While traditional closer roles might not be Sasaki’s immediate future, his ability to get crucial outs in high-leverage situations could be exactly what LA needs to defend their championship.

The Dodgers have built their recent success on starting pitching depth, but October baseball often comes down to who can get the final few outs. If Sasaki continues pitching like he did against Cincinnati, the rest of the National League better take notice.

The Bottom Line on Sasaki’s Breakout

Sometimes the best stories come from the most unlikely places. Roki Sasaki’s journey from struggling starter to potential postseason hero reads like something out of a movie script—complete with injury setbacks, mental growth, and a triumphant return when his team needed him most.

Sure, it’s only been a couple of appearances, and yes, small sample sizes can be deceiving. But there’s something different about Sasaki now. The raw talent was always there, buried under the pressure and expectations of adapting to a new league and culture. What’s emerged is a pitcher who not only has elite stuff but the mental fortitude to use it when the lights are brightest.

The Dodgers’ championship defense just got a whole lot more interesting, and Roki Sasaki might be the reason why.