PHILADELPHIA – Dave Roberts has given the ball to Roki Sasaki to protect a lead in the ninth inning of the Dodgers’ past two games – Game 2 of their Wild Card Series and Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday night. Against the Phillies, it was a save situation.

The usage says closer – but Roberts won’t.

“I just don’t want to be pigeon-holed into the ninth because with the way this (Phillies) lineup is constructed, there could be different ways where the eighth (inning) could present itself where he could be the best option,” the Dodgers manager said. “But I do consider him one of our top highest-leverage relievers, for sure.”

Since franchise saves leader Kenley Jansen left following the 2021 season, the Dodgers have been reluctant to

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