"We've talked about this - I don't think our bullpen struggles are talent-related. It's execution," president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. "We see it with walking guys and getting behind in counts, which to me comes from confidence. So we have to figure out a way to spark that and if Roki's outing tonight is that spark, it wouldn't surprise me."
""I think so. I hope so," Roberts said in response to Sasaki being a spark. "I hope it's something that energizes the guys in the pen, motivates them, because everyone wants innings and opportunities. And, so, hopefully with what Roki's done motivates guys to go after guys and pitch well, and so they can earn those opportunities as well."
Los Angeles invested in Tanner Scott as a potential closer but he did not become the team's go-to ninth-inning option by October. Early-season struggles and an IL stint followed Roki Sasaki's shaky starts and reduced velocity after arriving from NPB. Time on the injured list and adjustments have transformed Sasaki into an effective bullpen weapon, providing late-inning performance that can spark confidence among relievers. Front office and coaching staff view recent bullpen problems as execution and confidence issues, and they hope Sasaki's outings will energize teammates. The Dodgers still rely on relievers such as Scott, Alex Vesia and Blake Treinen for postseason innings.
Read at Dodgers Nation
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