Roki Sasaki dazzled in his postseason Dodgers debut, closing out an 8-4 win with a perfect ninth and 100-mph heat that underscored his role as a high-leverage weapon. The path from a Japan signing bonus to critical NL playoff innings highlights Los Angeles' bullpen evolution.

The Dodgers swept Cincinnati to set up an NLDS against Philadelphia, fueling questions about how Sasaki will be deployed in big spots. His ascent—from injury rehab to late-inning finisher—could reshape fantasy rosters and bullpen planning for the playoff run.

Cincinnati's season ends with an 8-4 loss to Los Angeles in the NL Wild Card Game 2, sealing a 0-5 playoff record this decade for the Reds. Sal Stewart delivered a two-run single and three RBIs, but a costly sixth inning throwing error opened the floodgates as Los Angeles pulled away. The Reds loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth but could not push across a run.

Still, Cincinnati's late-season surge and a budding core offer strong fantasy upside for 2026. Stewart, De La Cruz, Steer and Friedl flashed real upside, while Yamamoto locked the Dodgers in and Hernandez and Freeman supplied the offense. The Reds will look to build on the foundation next year.