NL DIVISION SERIES: DODGERS VS PHILLIES

October 9, 2025

Roki Sasaki

Dodger Stadium

Los Angeles Dodgers

Postgame 4 Press Conference

Dodgers - 2, Phillies - 1 (11)

Q. When you came off the field, after the 10th inning, I saw Dave Roberts come out onto the dirt there on the warning track and give you a big hug. What were your emotions at that time?

ROKI SASAKI: I was just relieved I was able to get, just be able to pitch the three innings.

Q. You've pitched big games in Japan. What is the atmosphere like in terms of being in the playoffs at Dodger Stadium in the Major Leagues as far as the difference?

ROKI SASAKI: I've experienced the playoff atmosphere here in the U.S. and Japan. I'm glad I was able to get a little bit of that experience in Philadelphia. So when I came back here to pitch at Dodger Stadium, I didn't feel any nerves.

Q. Your stuff on the mound has always been fantastic. It seems like the confidence just needed to catch up. Now it seems like you're as confident as can possibly be. Is that the case in this new role?

ROKI SASAKI: That's exactly right. Just felt like my fastball velo was back to where it used to be, and the command of the fastball was where I wanted it to be as well. So I think that really helps with the off-speed. And because of that I do really feel confident to be able to attack in zone.

Q. You had such success in Japan. Why, whether it was before the season when you were meeting with teams or in the season in Arizona, were you so open to having the pitching coaches change something about you or change something about your delivery? And do you think that small change they made unlocked something in you?

ROKI SASAKI: I like to give credit to the pitching coach in Arizona, when I was rehabbing being able to identify clearly what the issue was and come to some kind of agreement on what the actual root of the problem is.

And in terms of how to get to that point, now that was a different process. But in terms of like it really just helped me, as I gained my velo back, that I was able to really identify and have a clear path forward.