The Phillies and Dodgers finally collided in October for the first time since 2009. The Boys in Blue dominated the Broad Street Sluggers, who hadn’t lost a postseason series against them since 1978. And now, the dream of Harper and Co. might also be at risk. Because just before the game, an update arrived on the team’s $700 million arm, Shohei Ohtani.

With Game 3 at Dodger Stadium and the series on the line, manager Dave Roberts is playing strategically with his pitching staff. In Game 1, Shohei Ohtani took the mound as a starter, pitched six innings, giving up three runs and striking out nine. And Game 2 belonged to Blake Snell, who struck out nine over six innings while allowing just one hit in the 4-3 win. The Dodgers’ bullpen didn’t disappoint either.

As the series returns to Los Angeles, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic provided clarity on Roberts’ pitching strategy. “The Dodgers obviously would like to win tonight and cap the series, but don’t expect Tyler Glasnow (who would start tomorrow), Shohei Ohtani or Blake Snell (who could replace their throw days with a relief outing) to be available to pitch tonight, per Dave Roberts,” Ardaya posted on X.

Roberts’ approach reflects a larger philosophy about managing his pitching staff with long-term success in mind.

When asked about using Ohtani in relief, Roberts dismissed the idea, stating it’s “not on our radar.” The skipper did leave one door open, though.

If this series goes to Game 5, Shohei Ohtani can be the starter.

The Dodgers have added Clayton Kershaw to their NLDS roster as a bullpen option, giving Roberts another experienced arm for high-leverage situations. The 37-year-old left-hander, who announced his retirement at the season’s end, might pitch out of the bullpen during this series. But whether it will be Game 3 or not, only Roberts knows.

For now, it’s clear Ohtani or Snell won’t be available in Game 3 as a reliever. But another Japanese phenom has got his spot as primary closer, and Roberts is pretty sure about him.

Roberts embraces Roki Sasaki for the 9th inning

Between all the back and forth of who will start and who will be a reliever, Dave Roberts has made it very clear that Roki Sasaki will be his closer in Game 3. And the rookie has given him every reason to be the manager’s first choice.

After six innings from Shohei Ohtani in Game 1, Sasaki stepped in and got the last three outs to earn his first playoff save. In Game 2, he came in with a runner on third and the game tied. He closed it out, however, getting his second save in a row. Sasaki’s velocity has gotten close to 101 mph, and his splitter has made hitters swing and miss at crucial points. Performance so good that even Bob Nightengale, of USA Today, mentioned Sasaki as “the primary option to pitch in the 9th inning.”

When asked about the 23-year-old’s role, the skipper aligned with Nightengale. “I would love to throw Roki Sasaki every day but that’s not feasible.”

Sasaki has looked better since coming back from injury. He has done well in relief, getting more clean innings in the bullpen. He showcased his impressive swing-and-miss skills, which are ideal for save situations. And Roki Sasaki, too, is thrilled with his new role. “The fun part about relieving is the opportunity to contribute every day.”

As Game 3 approaches, Roberts will rely on his well-defined late-inning arm, but Ohtani will still be an option for later if required. Things will get more tense, but the plan is clear, and Sasaki is now the one to finish it.