Sasaki rose as a dominant reliever during the Dodgers’ 2025 World Series run, posting three saves and two holds as the club’s closer in the playoffs. This season, he returned to a starting role and has allowed 12 earned runs in 17.2 innings, a performance that has raised questions about his transition back to a starter.
Diaz’s injury creates a sizable late-inning vacancy for the Dodgers. The former Mets closer signed a three-year, $69 million contract and is expected to be sidelined for roughly three months. He had composed a 10.50 ERA over seven appearances in his Dodgers debut, with diminished velocity characterized as a concern in his first season in Los Angeles.
In the short term, Los Angeles will lean on a bullpen mix of Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, and Blake Treinen to handle ninth-inning duties. Vesia has recorded the last two Dodgers saves, while Scott accumulated 23 saves as a closer last season. Treinen brings closing experience but has struggled this season.
Sasaki’s playoff impact remains a notable part of his story. He evolved from an afterthought on the roster into a crucial late-inning option, delivering key outings that helped the Dodgers reach and reach deep into the Fall Classic.
As Diaz heals, the Dodgers face uncertainty in the ninth inning but have stated clearly that Sasaki will remain in the rotation. The club will rely on a combination of Scott, Vesia, and Treinen to close out games while Diaz is out, with Sasaki continuing to contribute as a member of the starting staff.
