Roki Sasaki could be the Los Angeles Dodgers’ primary closer, although it has not yet been officially confirmed. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that Sasaki is the “leading option” for the ninth inning, but his participation will depend on workload. Roberts emphasized the need to manage Sasaki’s usage, acknowledging that he will not be able to close all games due to the demands of the season. This implies the need to use other pitchers in key situations. In the second game of the National League Division Series, Blake Treinen was called to pitch in the ninth inning with a three-run lead. However, Treinen allowed the first three batters to reach base, reducing the Philadelphia Phillies’ lead to a single run. Alex Vesia and Sasaki entered the game to secure the victory. The Dodgers hoped to reinforce their bullpen with starters like Sasaki, Emmet Sheehan, Clayton Kershaw, and Tyler Glasnow. Although some relievers like Treinen and Tanner Scott haven’t performed as expected, Roberts will have to rely on them at some point. Roberts acknowledged the difficulty of relying exclusively on a small group of pitchers in the postseason, highlighting the importance of using the entire roster to be successful. The Phillies, after two consecutive losses, will have right-handed pitcher Aaron Nola for Game 3, with the season on the line. Despite a difficult year for Nola, manager Rob Thomson trusts in his performance. Ranger Suarez, left-handed pitcher, could come in relief after Nola. Cristopher Sanchez will be available for a possible Game 4. Thomson chose Nola for his good performance at the end of the regular season and his comfort as a starter. Although a lefty is usually better against the Dodgers’ left-handed hitters, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman have performed outstandingly against Suarez.
Center fielder Harrison Bader, with a hamstring injury, is questionable for Game 3. Dodgers catcher Will Smith, with a fractured hand, could start in the game. Roberts will assess Smith’s situation before the game, considering that his condition has gradually improved.I have confidence in both, don’t get me wrong. But Nola has pitched in some very important games for us in recent years.
Thomson
