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**Dodgers Test Rookie Sasaki in Bullpen Role as Postseason Looms**

PHOENIX – Desperate to solidify their bullpen for a deep postseason run, the Los Angeles Dodgers are taking a gamble on rookie sensation Roki Sasaki. The Japanese right-hander made his return from the 60-day injured list Wednesday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks, pitching a dominant scoreless inning in relief.

Sasaki, 23, showcased electric stuff, striking out two, including Ildemaro Vargas on a blistering 99 mph fastball. He left the game with the Dodgers holding a 3-1 lead.

Manager Dave Roberts plans to utilize Sasaki out of the bullpen for the remaining regular season games to evaluate his potential for a playoff role. “Giving everything he has for an inning or two at a time, That’s kind of what I see. Let the performance play out. Just go after guys and be on the attack,” Roberts said before the game.

Sasaki’s transition to the bullpen comes after a mostly underwhelming debut season, where he posted a 1-1 record with a 4.58 ERA in 35⅓ innings over eight starts. He also spent time in Triple-A, struggling with a 6.10 ERA. The move also comes one day after a blown save by Tanner Scott.

Signed in January to a minor league contract with a $6.5 million bonus, Sasaki joined the Dodgers after leaving the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan. He joins a star-studded roster including fellow Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

To make room for Sasaki on the roster, right-hander Kirby Yates was placed on the injured list with a hamstring issue, retroactive to September 21st. The Dodgers are hoping Sasaki’s raw talent can translate into a valuable asset as they gear up for October baseball.

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