Roki Sasaki Emerges as Dodgers’ Primary Closer
Pitcher Roki Sasaki, although not officially declared the closer, appears to be the primary option for the ninth inning for the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to manager Dave Roberts. Roberts has indicated that Sasaki is “definitely the primary option now” to close games, but this will depend on his workload. The manager acknowledges that he will not be able to use him in every game due to the need to use other pitchers to secure victories.In the second game of the National League Division Series, Roberts tried to use Blake Treinen in the ninth inning, but he allowed the first three batters to reach base, which reduced the Philadelphia Phillies’ lead to one run. Sasaki entered afterwards and got the last out, in what was his fifth appearance as a reliever in MLB since joining the bullpen in mid-September. The Dodgers were looking to strengthen their bullpen in the postseason with starters like Sasaki, Emmet Sheehan, Clayton Kershaw, and sometimes Tyler Glasnow. Pitchers like Treinen, Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, and Michael Kopech were expected to be bullpen mainstays, although some have lost prominence. Roberts will have to rely on them at some point. Phillies manager Rob Thomson has chosen Aaron Nola as the starter for Game 3, with the season on the line. Nola had a difficult year in 2025, but Thomson trusts in his recent good performance. Ranger Suarez will be in the bullpen behind Nola, with Cristopher Sanchez ready for Game 4. Thomson chose Nola due to his good regular season closing and his comfort as a starter. Although a lefty might be a better option against the Dodgers’ lineup, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman have performed well against Suarez.We have to win a certain amount of games to secure the championship, and he’s not going to close every game. It’s simply not feasible, so we have to use other guys.
Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
Center fielder Harrison Bader, who suffered a hamstring injury in Game 1, is questionable for Game 3. Dodgers catcher Will Smith, with a fractured hand, could start in the game.I trust both of them, don’t get me wrong. But Nola has pitched in some very important games for us in recent years.
Rob Thomson, Phillies Manager
