All through the season, the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ bullpen struggled, and when the season started to come to an end, manager Dave Roberts decided that he was going to use some starters as relievers. And one of the most surprising picks for the postseason was Roki Sasaki, who was chosen as a bullpen pitcher and not as a starter. And after this move, a veteran bullpen reliever has shared his view.

In a recent interview, Dodgers bullpen pitcher Blake Treinen talked about Dave Roberts choosing starters as relievers. “What he’s been doing since he’s been back has been a godsend to us… It’s been amazing, somebody that is presumably that confident and dominant, because we’re seeing what Roki Sasaki really is as a pitcher.”

The Los Angeles Dodgers‘ bullpen struggled through the regular season, reflected in a 4.27 ERA overall. They allowed 608 hits and 312 earned runs while walking 240 batters and striking out 687. High-leverage situations often exposed weaknesses, evidenced by a 1.33 WHIP and 81 home runs surrendered. Fans watched nervously as dominant starters couldn’t fully compensate, leaving the bullpen’s reliability in constant question.

Since the Dodgers began integrating starters into relief roles, performance has visibly improved, particularly in October.

Roki Sasaki’s return from injury brought energy and velocity, pitching effectively against the Phillies, Reds, Arizona, and Mariners. In those appearances, he recorded 7 strikeouts, allowed zero earned runs, and secured his first MLB save in Game 1 of their NLDS faceoff. The bullpen’s newfound stability has energized fans, creating tension and excitement with every critical postseason inning.

Dave Roberts’ bold move proves that sometimes genius is just starters pretending to be relievers. Roki Sasaki’s dominance reminds everyone that even prodigies need a little nudge to show full potential. Blake Treinen’s praise confirms the Dodgers’ bullpen reinvention, turning nervous fans into believers overnight this postseason.

Roki Sasaki reveals how he feels about coming out of the bullpen

Once hailed as a future ace, Sasaki’s first MLB season didn’t exactly go according to plan, thanks to injuries and adjustment woes. Yet somehow, what looked like a setback has turned into a revelation, one that could redefine how the Dodgers approach their postseason pitching strategy.

Roki Sasaki has quietly become the Dodgers’ secret weapon, dominating the playoffs with surgical precision. In the Wild Card clincher against the Reds and NLDS Game 1 versus the Phillies, he allowed only one hit. Over eighty percent of his pitches found the strike zone, striking out three, proving his talent under pressure.

Despite originally being a starter, Sasaki has embraced the bullpen’s intensity. “The fun part about relieving is the opportunity to contribute every day.” He admitted he prepared for the possibility of not pitching in the regular season, appreciating the staff’s support.

Roki Sasaki’s unexpected bullpen heroics have already rewritten what the Dodgers expect from their pitchers. Opponents now watch nervously, realizing that his triple-digit fastball leaves little room for mercy. If the playoffs are a stage, Sasaki has proven the Dodgers cast the perfect, surprising lead.