Last winter, Roki Sasaki was one of the biggest free agents on the open market. He had done great things in the NPB, and nearly every team was trying its best to sign him.
However, he decided to sign a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in hopes of winning a World Series, but this year did not go as planned. He missed over four months of the regular season while dealing with a right shoulder impingement.
Sasaki was able to return on September 24 and made a transition to the bullpen. He has been largely impressive in his new role, making three postseason appearances, allowing only one hit, one walk, and three strikeouts.
Dodgers' director of pitching sends strong message to Roki Sasaki critics
Roki Sasaki's transition to the bullpen has helped stabilize what has been a hole for the club. Dodgers' relievers have been shaky at best, and during the postseason, that is one area that cannot be.
Many around the sport were skeptical of the club's decision to move Sasaki into a relief role, but it has worked out just fine. Dodgers' director of pitching, Rob Hill, sent a clear message to those who doubted, via ESPN's Jeff Passan.
"Never, ever write somebody off, never give up on somebody, regardless of how bad the circumstances look," Hill said. "Because you truly never know."
The Dodgers will continue to lean on Sasaki during the high-leverage moments of the postseason. However, he will likely transition back into the starting rotation next season.