Roki Sasaki's playoff role with the Dodgers remains an open question as U.S. media analyzes multiple possible scenarios

The Los Angeles Dodgers' young Japanese righty, Roki Sasaki, has started 23 games this season, posting a 5-5 record with a 4.60 ERA. The team is evaluating his postseason role, and the discussion is heating up in U.S. media. In a piece titled "Dodgers Unclear on Roki Sasaki's Playoff Role," the Dodgers-focused outlet *DodgersBeat* examined a range of options.

Sasaki has been a regular member of the starting rotation this season, but during a game against the Atlanta Braves on August 26 (U.S. time), he was forced to exit early in the fourth inning due to a blister on his right middle finger. He has since been placed on the 15-day injured list.

Despite this, the Dodgers' starting rotation remains quite deep. Tyler Glasnow has returned from injury, and while Shohei Ohtani has paused his pitching rehabilitation, the team still boasts multiple top-tier arms. The media noted: "The competition for starting rotation spots will intensify, as the Dodgers already have four proven pitchers—Tarik Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and Glasnow—as playoff candidates, while Roki Sasaki is still fighting for a place in the rotation."

However, Sasaki's role is not limited to starting. Last postseason, he pitched in high-leverage relief situations and delivered highly dominant performances. Therefore, the media believes the Dodgers are "evaluating all pitching options," which could include using Sasaki as a multi-inning reliever or in short, high-pressure relief assignments.

The report stated: "Sasaki's playoff role could range from starting, to multi-inning relief, to short, high-leverage appearances. The Dodgers have not ruled out any possibility, but they also won't automatically remove him from the rotation just because other starters have returned."

Recently, manager Dave Roberts was asked about Sasaki's postseason role and simply replied, "It's not clear yet what will happen in mid-to-late September." He added, "When the time comes, we'll pick the pitchers who are in the best shape and performing the best, and then assign their roles." This indicates the team will base its final decisions on health and performance.