The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading to the NLCS for the second consecutive season after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS. The Dodgers secured a hard-fought extra-innings win — one that ended in absolute disaster for the Phillies. After the game, there was no doubt who the MVP of the night was: rookie Roki Sasaki.
“You’re talking about one of the great all-time appearances out of the ‘pen that I can remember. We're starting to see something really special in him,” manager Dave Roberts told the media.
For the Dodgers, it was truly a tale of two nights. Just the evening before, the team had suffered a complete meltdown in the 8th inning, and Roberts was heavily criticized for his bullpen decisions.
“Just unf***ing believable. You have five arms in the bullpen. FIVE. It's a two run game.... I don't care the offense hasn't done anything it's a two run game. Sending Kershaw out there was a f***ing idiotic fu**ing decision. Holy f**k,” Dodgers writer Blake Harris posted.
Ironically, Roberts' decision to not overuse his bullpen on Wednesday gave him more flexibility in Thursday’s game — allowing relievers to go a bit longer and ultimately helping seal the win.
After the game, a surprising development came from utility man Miguel Rojas, who revealed his retirement plans following the 2025 season.
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“I'm 36 years old. It's been a wild ride. I've given it everything I've had in my four years here. Hopefully, I can finish my career here. Because I'm going to retire after next year,” Rojas told Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation.
This announcement came as a surprise, as Rojas had not previously hinted at retirement. He expressed a desire to end his career with the Dodgers, which raises the question of whether the team will honor that wish in the offseason.
Rojas has been a reliable presence for the Dodgers — a dependable utility player who’s always stepped up when needed. He may not grab headlines often, but he’s been a steady hand in crucial moments.
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