Against all expectations, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made a surprising decision in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies. Instead of turning to his usual closer, Roki Sasaki, in the 9th inning, Roberts called upon Blake Treinen to finish the game. This move left many Dodgers fans scratching their heads, as Sasaki has been a dominant force in the playoffs so far.
Sasaki, a highly-touted Japanese prospect, was not brought to the Dodgers to pitch in relief. He was seen as a future starter, with his blazing fastball and devastating slider. However, injuries and a crowded rotation forced the Dodgers to use him out of the bullpen, and he has excelled in that role.
But in Game 2, Roberts seemed to have forgotten about Sasaki’s dominance and instead chose to go with Treinen, who has struggled in the playoffs. This decision caused an uproar among Dodgers fans, who were left fuming as they watched Treinen give up a crucial run in the 9th inning.
The frustration of the fans was understandable. Sasaki has been lights out in the playoffs, with a 0.00 ERA and 11 strikeouts in just 5 innings pitched. He has been the go-to guy for the Dodgers in high-pressure situations, and his performance has been nothing short of dominant.
But as the game went on, it became clear that Roberts had a plan all along. With the Dodgers holding a slim lead in the 9th inning, he brought in Sasaki to close out the game. And once again, the young Japanese pitcher delivered, striking out the side and securing the win for the Dodgers.
Roberts’ decision to use Treinen instead of Sasaki may have seemed like a brain fade at first, but it turned out to be a calculated move. By bringing in Treinen, Roberts forced the Phillies to use their left-handed hitters, setting up the perfect matchup for Sasaki to come in and shut them down.
And shut them down he did. Sasaki’s performance in the 9th inning was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his electric stuff and nerves of steel. He proved once again why he is emerging as the most dominant playoff weapon for the Dodgers.
But this is not the first time Sasaki has come through in the clutch for the Dodgers. In Game 1 of the NLDS, he entered the game in the 8th inning with the bases loaded and no outs. Many thought the Phillies would take the lead, but Sasaki had other plans. He struck out the next three batters, escaping the jam and preserving the Dodgers’ lead.
It’s moments like these that have made Sasaki a fan favorite in Los Angeles. Despite being a rookie, he has shown incredible poise and composure in high-pressure situations. He has quickly become a key piece of the Dodgers’ bullpen and a valuable weapon for Roberts to have at his disposal.
But it’s not just his on-field performance that has endeared Sasaki to Dodgers fans. His humble and hard-working attitude has also won over the hearts of the fans. He has shown a willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team win, whether it’s pitching in relief or starting a game.
And while Sasaki may not have been brought to the Dodgers to pitch in relief, he has embraced the role and excelled in it. He has become a crucial part of the Dodgers’ playoff run, and his contributions have not gone unnoticed by his teammates and coaches.
In a season filled with injuries and unexpected challenges, Sasaki has emerged as a bright spot for the Dodgers. His dominant performances in the playoffs have given the team a much-needed boost and have helped them take a commanding 2-0 lead in the NLDS.
So while some Dodgers fans may have been fuming at Roberts’ decision to use Treinen instead of Sasaki, they can rest assured that the young Japanese pitcher will continue to be a key factor in the team’s success. And as the Dodgers continue their quest for a World Series title, Sasaki will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their journey.
In the end, Roberts’ late-game brain fade turned out to be a stroke of genius, as it forced Sasaki to save the day once again. And for Dodgers fans, there is nothing more satisfying than watching their team’s most dominant playoff weapon come through in the clutch.
