The Los Angeles Dodgers are getting set for an additional postseason run and can look to develop into baseball’s first back-to-back champions in 1 / 4 century.
After the bullpen has had a string of subpar performances this season — with an abysmal displaying this month specifically — there are lots of impartial variables forward of Tuesday’s begin to the Nationwide League Wild Card collection. Proper-hander Roki Sasaki, who hasn’t pitched since Might, just lately emerged as a possible choice to bolster the bullpen, tossing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts a chunk in two appearances final week.
Supervisor Dave Roberts, nevertheless, remained noncommittal concerning Sasaki, merely saying “we’ll see” if he makes the postseason roster.
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Sasaki got here to MLB this season after posting a 2.10 ERA throughout 4 seasons in Nippon Skilled Baseball. After the primary eight begins of his MLB profession featured a 4.72 ERA and a slower velocity on his fastball, a few of which may very well be attributed to shoulder issues that held him out for just a few months, Sasaki wanted a change throughout his Triple-A rehab project.
The change offered itself within the type of getting his common fastball velocity up 4 mph in between his second to final begin and his ultimate begin of the project. The subsequent two minor league outings from Sasaki could be out of the bullpen, carrying his elevated command and velocity in reduction.
One of many Dodgers veteran leaders, Miguel Rojas, famous how good it’s to see the improved model of Sasaki, however extra importantly, touched on his fearless nature forward of October (ought to he get the possibility).
“It’s actually refreshing to see Roki going on the market and having the perspective,” Rojas mentioned. “I really feel like greater than than the 100 mph fastball and the cut up, and the motion on the ball and attacking the zone and throwing strikes, I feel it’s the perspective. You possibly can see him – not afraid of the second and the scenario. He desires to be there. It’s refreshing.”
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Picture Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photographs
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