Phoenix – Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Roki Sasaki returned to a pointless match Wednesday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks as his team sought bullpen help.
Sasaki was activated from the 60-day injury roster before the game and looked impressive in 1-2-3 innings. He eliminated two, including Ildemaro Vargas swayed with a 99 mph fastball and left with a 3-1 lead Dodgers.
The right-hander is expected to continue to exit the bullpen in the last four games of the regular season to see if he can win the playoffs.
Manager Dave Roberts said he doesn't have a specific role in Sasaki, but hopes he can take advantage of his opportunity.
“Give him everything in one or two innings,” Roberts said before the game. “That's what I've seen. Let the show play out. Just catch up with the guys and be in the offensive range.”
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Sasaki, 23, hit out 1-1 with 4.58 ERA and 26 innings in nine major league appearances this season; his first eight started. He also spent some time in Oklahoma City triple where he scored 0-2 at 6.10 ERA in seven appearances, including five games.
Sasaki's relief came the next day after Tanner Scott's 5-4 loss to the Rattlers on Tuesday.
Sasaki reached a minor league contract in January and received a $6.5 million signing bonus for international amateur free agents under Major League Baseball regulations, leaving the Chiba Lott Marines in the postal system.
His major league debut season was a disappointing one, but the Dodgers hope he can still play a role in October.
Sasaki is one of three Japanese players in the Dodgers’ roster, two-way star shohei ohtani and right-handed Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
With Sasaki's return, right-handed Kirby Yates was placed on the injury list due to lingering hamstring issues. The move dates back to September 21.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.