Dave Roberts Reveals Key Decision: Why Roki Sasaki Wasn’t Used Sooner in Game 2

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts faced a key decision during Game 2 of the National League Division Series on Monday night. With a three-run lead heading into the ninth inning, he opted to bring in veteran Blake Treinen instead of the rising star Roki Sasaki.

Sasaki, only 23, had been impressive just two weeks after returning from a shoulder injury. He had posted four consecutive scoreless outings, showcasing a 100-mph fastball alongside a devastating splitter. However, Roberts was conscious of managing Sasaki’s workload. After pitching in both the wild card series and Game 1 of the NLDS, Roberts felt it was wise to give him some rest.

Roberts explained his decision, saying, “He hasn’t gone two out of three days much at all. So I didn’t want to just kind of preemptively put him in there.” Instead, he trusted Treinen, who had shown some improvement despite struggling through a tough season.

Unfortunately, this strategy nearly backfired. Treinen faced three batters without recording an out, giving up two runs. This forced Roberts to bring in Sasaki to close the game, contradicting his earlier plan to rest the pitcher. After the game, Roberts acknowledged Sasaki’s effectiveness, confirming him as the primary option for future save opportunities. “What Roki has done is very encouraging,” he said.

Balancing the use of Sasaki is now a pressing concern for the Dodgers. With playoffs extending over several weeks, Roberts must strike a careful balance. “He’s not going to close every game; it’s just not feasible,” he said. Many fans may not realize the intricacies of managing a young pitcher in high-stakes situations.

Statistics show that young pitchers can often struggle in high-pressure scenarios. Data from the past couple of MLB seasons indicates that rookies in the postseason face significant challenges, with an increased likelihood of giving up runs. Experts emphasize the importance of resting young arms, especially as the playoffs intensify.

Meanwhile, Emmet Sheehan took on a crucial role in the bullpen. After a rocky outing in the wild card series, he bounced back impressively, delivering two innings and just one run against the Phillies. “I think it just showed some adjustments that I made compared to that previous game,” Sheehan noted, emphasizing the importance of emotional control.

Roberts seems to trust Sheehan going forward, highlighting his value alongside Sasaki. “He wasn’t going to run from those guys,” Roberts said, praising Sheehan’s performance against the formidable Phillies lineup.

On the other hand, Treinen’s struggles highlight the unpredictable nature of postseason performances. Once a reliable reliever, he now faces scrutiny after failing to retire any batters in his last outing. His 5.40 ERA this season further complicates his situation. As Roberts stated, “I just didn’t see that edge last night that I know I’ve seen many times before.”

Moving forward, the Dodgers must navigate these pitching dilemmas carefully as they aim for a deeper playoff run. Using data and drawing from their past experiences, they hope to avoid burnout while maximizing victories on the path to the World Series.

For more on the intricacies of pitching management in the playoffs, check out this detailed analysis from ESPN.

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