Dodgers Notes: Despite Recent Usage, Roberts Won’t Call Sasaki the ‘Closer’

Dodgers Notes: Despite recent usage, Roberts won’t call Sasaki the ‘closer’

PHILADELPHIA — Dave Roberts has given the ball to Roki Sasaki to protect a lead in the ninth inning of the Dodgers’ past two games – Game 2 of their Wild Card Series and Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday night. Against the Phillies, it was a save situation. The usage says closer – but Roberts won’t. “I just don’t want to be pigeon-holed into the ninth because with the way this (Phillies) …

Tyler Glasnow and Roki Sasaki showcase Dodgers' bullpen blueprint for playoffs

Tyler Glasnow and Roki Sasaki came out of the bullpen and managed to protect the Dodgers' late lead in a 5-3 win over the Phillies in Game 1 of the NLDS.

'Tanner Scott may not see the mound again' - Fans go wild as Japanese rookie emerges as Dodgers closer with first career save in NLDS Game 1

The Los Angeles Dodgers have found a new role for rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki after the Japanese hurler was asked to pitch in relief in the NLDS Game 1 against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday.

Sasaki stepping up as closer for Dodgers

PHILADELPHIA — Just in time to make a run at a second consecutive World Series title, the Los Angeles Dodgers might have found their closer. The Dodgers already knew what they had in Japanese ace Shohei Ohtani. Los Angeles turned to rookie countryman Roki Sasaki to fill the role of shutdown reliever. A little slice of playoff history was a perfect way to win Game 1 of the NL Division Series. Ohtani struck out nine over six innings Saturday night…