Dodgers’ Aki Sasaki Shines in Relief Role
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers are witnessing impressive performances from their new Japanese recruit, Aki Sasaki, who has stepped into the closer position amid a shaky bullpen this season.
After initially starting the year in the rotation, Sasaki contributed significantly to the Dodgers’ victory in Game 4, the decisive match of the series. His postseason statistics reflect a remarkable 1.29 ERA over six relief appearances, with three saves to his name. He also clinched the final three outs in a situation where a save was technically not available, ensuring the Dodgers’ return to the World Series.
Training for the closer role began for Sasaki once he returned in late September after a stint on the disabled list due to right shoulder impingement.
At just 23 years old, Sasaki had previously appeared in eight games as a starting pitcher with an ERA of 4.72.
His first start at Dodger Stadium in March didn’t go as planned. After throwing 61 pitches over 1 2/3 innings, he was taken out of the game and was notably emotional in the dugout.
“His development wasn’t exactly straightforward,” noted Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “He had a rough moment on the bench, with a lot of emotions playing out. It’s impressive how he turned things around, got healthy, and returned ready to perform for the 2025 season.”
Thinking back, Sasaki might feel a sense of nostalgia about this year.
During the previous winter’s free agency, he held discussions with teams like the Mets and Yankees, but the Dodgers seemed to have the advantage due to their history and the fact that they had previously signed notable Japanese players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Because of his youth, teams could only offer him international bonus pool money, leading to a $6.5 million minor league contract. If Sasaki had waited until he turned 25, he would have been eligible for regular free agency.
For comparison, Yamamoto landed a massive contract worth $325 million over 12 years the winter before.
Sasaki mentioned that moving from starting to relief pitching wasn’t particularly challenging for him.
“As someone new to this role, I know there will be ups and downs,” he shared through an interpreter. “My goal, as a reliever, is to ensure my mechanics are solid so that I can control the ball effectively. That’s my main focus right now.”
He has quickly become a reliable part of the relief team. However, Tanner Scott faced difficulties in the closer role and was subsequently excluded from postseason consideration due to an injury.
“When he’s out there, [Sasaki] understands the different energy that comes from the bullpen,” remarked Dodgers relief pitcher Anthony Banda.
Sasaki’s only notable hiccup in relief came during Game 1 of the National League Championship Series when he walked two batters and was ejected with two outs. This was after he delivered three solid innings in relief during Game 4 of the National League Finals, where the Dodgers triumphed over the Phillies in an 11-inning game.
“From my perspective, [in Game 1] I don’t think being removed in the third inning impacted me much. My mechanics were subconsciously off,” Sasaki reflected. “I wasn’t fully aware of what was happening, which probably affected my velocity and direction.”
