Roki Sasaki earns Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts’ ultimate “trust” after electric play vs. Reds ahead of NLDS

Roki Sasaki has done incredibly well after his return to the LA Dodgers in a relief role. The Dodgers' rookie started the season as a starting pitcher, but after being sidelined for four months due to a right shoulder impingement, Sasaki returned to the team in a bullpen role.

So far, Sasaki has lived up to the trust placed by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. On Wednesday, Roberts asked the Japanese ace to come out and pitch the ninth inning. Sasaki started the inning with two straight two swinging strikeouts before retiring Austin Hays for the final out to win the wild card round clinching game for the Dodgers 8-4.

After the game, Roberts said Sasaki has earned his "trust" to pitch in high-leverage situations, and he was proud of him. When the manager was asked if he could be the closer for the Dodgers in the postseason, Roberts said:

“I trust him and he’s going to be pitching in leverage… I don’t think the moment is going to be too big for Roki.”

Dave Roberts' Dodgers set date with Phillies in NLDS

After sweeping the Reds in the wildcard round, the Dodgers are headed to the NLDS to take on the top team of the National League in the regular season. The Phillies didn't have to play the wildcard round since they were the second-best team in the league.

Before the champagne popped up in the locker room, Dave Roberts for everyone to be ready so that whenever the time comes, they do well for the team.

"A lot of work to be done," Roberts said. "My only ask is that every single guy be ready when you call the clock. Keep your minds right. We're going to need every single one of you guys. Stay in it. Stay focused. Keep playing for each other. Let's go."

Shohei Ohtani is named as the starter for Game 1 at Citizens Bank Park. This will be the first time for the two-way star to pitch in the postseason. This October, he not only has to play a major role with the bat but also with his pitches. The way he went deep in his last start, the Dodgers will hope for something similar when he takes the mound.

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

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Edited by Krutik Jain