Yoshinobu Sasaki: From uncertainty to Dodgers’ Postseason Weapon
The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading into October with a powerful addition to their bullpen – Yoshinobu Sasaki. His journey to becoming a high-leverage reliever is a testament to perseverance, organizational trust, and a willingness to adapt. This is the story of how a starting pitcher sidelined by injury rediscovered his potential in a new role, and why you should pay attention to his impact this postseason.
A Rocky Start & A Pivotal Conversation
Sasaki arrived in Los angeles with meaningful expectations, having signed a lucrative contract during the offseason. though, a right elbow flexor strain threatened to derail his first season in MLB. He underwent a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection and faced a lengthy recovery.
Then came a crucial conversation with dodgers manager Dave Roberts. Roberts inquired about Sasaki’s willingness to transition to relief pitching upon his return. “He saw what was happening with our starters and said, ‘Sign me up,'” Roberts explained, highlighting Sasaki’s team-first attitude. This flexibility proved to be the catalyst for his resurgence.
Rebuilding & Refining
While recovering, Sasaki focused on regaining strength and refining his mechanics. He began throwing again in September, initially with Oklahoma City, the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate. His first relief appearance on September 18th showcased two strikeouts, followed by another clean inning three days later.
The Dodgers then brought him back to the majors for a trial run, evaluating his arm’s response to pitching on consecutive days. He excelled, striking out four batters without issuing a walk, solidifying his place on the postseason roster.
Embracing the Reliever’s Role
Sasaki quickly embraced the unique demands of being a reliever. “The fun part about relieving is the chance to be able to contribute to the game, to the team every day,” he shared. This daily contribution has quickly become invaluable for the Dodgers.
although Roberts hasn’t officially designated Sasaki as the closer, he will be deployed in the moast critical situations throughout the playoffs. His recent performance against the Philadelphia Phillies demonstrated his readiness.
Dominating in High-Leverage Moments
Sasaki’s fastball reached 101 mph against the Phillies, showcasing his raw power. He secured his first professional save with a dominant outing:
* He struck out J.T. Realmuto with a devastating splitter.
* He induced a groundout from Nick Castellanos after getting Max Kepler to hit a double.
* He finished the inning with a popout from Bryson Stott.
This performance underscored his ability to thrive under pressure.
A Team Effort & Gratitude
Sasaki is fast to acknowledge the support system that helped him navigate his recovery and transition.He expressed gratitude to:
* Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomes (Dodgers’ front office)
* Mark Prior and Connor McGuiness (Dodgers’ pitching coaches)
* Travis Shaw (strength coach)
* The team’s biomechanics experts
* His teammates
He credits their collective expertise for his success. “There’s been a lot of support staff, coaching staff, the people around me who helped me get to where I am today,” he said.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
While Sasaki is currently focused on excelling as a reliever, the Dodgers anticipate a return to starting pitching for him next year. For now, he’s a vital component of their October plans.
His story serves as a powerful reminder: with trust, competence, and a willingness to adapt, even what seems lost can be found. As dodgers’ director of player development Brandon Hill aptly put it, “never, ever write somebody off, never give up on somebody, nonetheless of how bad the circumstances look. As you truly never know.”
