In only his second time pitching in relief, 23-year-old Japanese phenom stared down one of the toughest sluggers of the league. Before the Dodgers’ 3–2 win at T-Mobile Park, general manager Brandon Gomes had already put it out there, “That’s the guy that we’ve seen in the past and are really excited about.” The Dodgers have always been this optimistic for their Japanese youngster, even when he was struggling earlier this season. Well, Friday night started as just another bullpen game and almost unraveled as one. Towards the end, the Dodgers didn’t just secure their 91st win of the season. They might have found a bullpen arm they can truly rely on in October.

Roki Sasaki had served up a scorcher of a two-out double to Randy Arozarena that brought up Mariners’ Cal ‘Big Dumper’ Raleigh. With all the “MVP” chants in unison playing in the background for Raleigh, Sasaki went on the attack and threw three nasty splitters. At the last one, as Raleigh couldn’t hold up, he took an awkward swing and was out of the jam.

Friday wrapped up two scoreless innings from Sasaki in his first appearance out of the Dodgers’ bullpen on Wednesday. After which Gomes expressed, “[Roki] came out of it feeling great. I think it’ll be important for him to get out there and continue to understand the warm-up routine. And just pitching in different situations as a reliever. So I think it’s mutually beneficial to get him back out there.” It turned out to be true. This time, he protected a two-run lead and hit 100.1 mph on his four-seam fastball against Arozarena.

So, while some insiders have already insisted the Dodgers use Sasaki out of the bullpen in October, it’s now seeming more likely than ever that he will have the seventh-inning role in the postseason. The Dodgers have recently secured their 12th division title in the last 13 years after an 8-0 win over the Diamondbacks on Thursday.

Now, as they look to maintain the momentum, Dave Roberts has found his weapon for the late-inning meltdown. And it looks like the Dodgers fans are also just as excited to see more relief outings from the flamethrower.

Dodgers fans see Roki Sasaki as a weapon for Dodgers’ postseason run

Only a few days ago, Roki Sasaki was activated from the injured list. The 23-year-old was on the sidelines with right shoulder impingement since May 13. When he returned, it appeared he’d take some time to settle in, but he has been dominating on the mound since day 1 after returning. Especially after Friday’s outing, he has established himself as the Dodgers’ go-to bullpen arm for late-inning pressure in the playoffs.

That’s why a fan noted what many have echoed recently. “Dodgers found their future closer 🔥🔥.” That’s something MLB Network’s Tom Verducci had already predicted earlier this week.

The Dodgers were a bit late to close out the season as NL West champions. And it was largely because their bullpen has been a persistent problem. Now, Los Angeles has finally found a breather. “Watched this multiple times and still getting the chills. Here’s Sasaki, pitching only his second inning on his return to MLB. Gave up a hit that was a near HR, leaving a runner on 2B. Up against Raleigh, the HR leader, he delivers 3 perfect pitches to strike him out. 🥶” Well, his three-pitch strikeout of Cal Raleigh left the AL MVP candidate himself a bit stunned.

He threw three straight 85 mph splitters to only the seventh player in the league who has 60 home runs in one season. When he walked back towards the Mariners’ dugout, Raleigh had a baffled expression because no one saw it coming from Sasaki.

Others gave a gentle reminder to the Dodgers. “He is the key to the playoffs.” Well, LA’s bullpen has long been in shambles. While veteran arms such as Tanner Scott and Blake Treinen have faltered repeatedly, the Dodgers eventually had to turn to Clayton Kershaw and Roki Sasaki earlier this week against the Diamondbacks. And that, paired with Friday’s outing, Sasaki is stabilizing the beleaguered pen in all the ways.

Even Cal Raleigh didn’t see it coming. “That look on a potential MVP’s face says it all: Roki is legit.” After being attacked with three straight splitters, the ‘Big Dumper’ had a flustered look heading back to the dugout.

Similarly, another fan pointed out, “3 pitches and 3 strikes against the HR leader? Sasaki isn’t just holding his nerves. He’s pitch-perfect!” It takes some real power to go against the most fearsome hitter in the league. While Raleigh leads the league with 60 home runs and hopes to take the AL MVP title home, little did he expect to get dominated by a rookie.

The Dodgers’ Friday win—their 13th in the last 18 games felt more like a postseason preview. And of course, they’d need every bit of Sasaki and his flame-throwing power to get through next month.