Dodgers lean on an unconventional bullpen crew in Game 1 of the NLDS, turning Glasnow, Sasaki and other starters into late-game relievers to outfinish the Phillies 5-3. Ohtani logged six innings, Teoscar Hernández delivered a decisive three-run homer, and Alex Vesia plus Sasaki closed out the win. The plan underscored depth, trust, and a new playoff template where top starters bridge to bullpen arms when the moment demands it.

Roki Sasaki flipped his season by shifting to the bullpen, reclaiming elite velocity and delivering high-leverage work for the Dodgers. Since returning from rehab on a shoulder issue, he’s touched 101 mph with a brutal splitter, punching out most outs and delivering two scoreless frames in the Wild Card win over Cincinnati. Teammates celebrate his unshakable confidence, and the Dodgers plan to lean on him heavily in the NLDS against Philadelphia.

Dodgers regrouped after a midseason malaise, turning to a positive, collective mindset that unlocked a late-season surge. A bruised, injury-riddled lineup found resilience behind a deep rotation led by Yamamoto, Snell, Glasnow and Kershaw, while Betts and Muncy carried the offense. They entered October with momentum, confident they can flip the switch when it counts, chasing back-to-back titles despite MLB’s long repeat drought.

Dodgers turn to Sasaki as their closer after a dramatic two-game sweep of the Reds, redefining late-inning risk and fantasy upside. The 23-year-old rookie delivered a seven-pitch, perfect inning with six fastballs over 100 mph, instantly redefining the bullpen’s trajectory and elevating the Dodgers’ save potential for weeks to come.

Kiké Hernández delivered October magic for the Dodgers, turning a tight wild-card game into an 8-4 comeback win over Cincinnati with two hits, two runs and an RBI, including a key fourth-inning double and a late scoring bunt. HisGL fall performance reinforces his postseason pedigree as LAD advances to face Philadelphia, while teammates and coaches hail him as a built-for-this-moment veteran who can flip the script in October.