"After the bullpen has had a string of subpar performances this season - with an abysmal showing this month in particular - there are many independent variables ahead of Tuesday's start to the National League Wild Card series. Right-hander Roki Sasaki, who hasn't pitched since May, recently emerged as a potential option to bolster the bullpen, tossing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts a piece in two appearances last week."
"Sasaki came to MLB this season after posting a 2.10 ERA across four seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball. After the first eight starts of his MLB career featured a 4.72 ERA and a slower velocity on his fastball, some of which could be attributed to shoulder complications that held him out for a few months, Sasaki needed a change during his Triple-A rehab assignment."
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the postseason aiming to become baseball's first back-to-back champions in 25 years while addressing bullpen inconsistencies. Right-hander Roki Sasaki, sidelined since May, recently threw two scoreless innings with two strikeouts in each of two relief appearances and has emerged as a potential bullpen reinforcement. Manager Dave Roberts remained noncommittal, saying "we'll see" about Sasaki's postseason roster status. Sasaki recorded a 2.10 ERA over four Nippon Professional Baseball seasons but posted a 4.72 ERA through his first eight MLB starts amid reduced fastball velocity and shoulder issues. A Triple-A rehab stint increased his average fastball velocity by about 4 mph, and his subsequent relief outings showed improved command and velocity. Veteran Miguel Rojas praised Sasaki's fearless attitude and willingness to attack the zone.
Read at Dodgers Nation
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]