When the Dodgers landed Roki Sasaki last offseason, it felt like they’d won the jackpot. The Japanese phenom was supposed to slot right into an already-loaded rotation and give the defending champs an even bigger edge in their bid for back-to-back titles. However, things didn’t go according to plan.

Sasaki stumbled out of the gate, dealt with injuries, and for a while, it looked like his 2025 season might be over. However, instead of forcing him back as a starter, Dave Roberts and the Dodgers decided to unleash his triple-digit fastball out of the bullpen. And guess what, the move paid off instantly.

Notably, in the Wild Card Game 2 against the Reds, Sasaki came in and blew hitters away. He threw 11 pitches, two SOs, and a perfect inning. The question now is whether this will be his new

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