Dave Roberts Does Not Expect Dodgers To Use One Set Closer In October

The final three outs of a postseason game may not belong to one Dodgers reliever.

Although Dave Roberts would prefer to enter October with a designated closer, he does not currently expect one pitcher to exclusively handle the ninth inning.

“Right now I don’t see a one-person closer,” Roberts said.

That could change based on how the final days of the regular season unfold, but the Dodgers appear prepared to deploy their bullpen according to matchups and leverage instead of saving one reliever exclusively for traditional save situations.

Dodgers May Need Their Best Reliever Before The Ninth

Roberts pointed to Tanner Scott as an example of why committing to one closer can become complicated.

If the most dangerous portion of an opponent’s lineup comes to the plate during a close game in the seventh or eighth inning, Roberts may decide that is the proper time to use Scott rather than hold him for the ninth.

There is no guarantee a lead will survive long enough to create a save opportunity.

That becomes even more important during the postseason, when one matchup can determine an entire series and scheduled off days allow teams to use their top relievers more aggressively.

Scott has converted 23 of 27 save opportunities with a 2.77 ERA this season, making him one of the Dodgers’ most established ninth-inning options.

But his ability to neutralize left-handed hitters and handle the middle of an opposing lineup could make him even more valuable before the final inning.

Roki Sasaki Could Receive Late-Inning Opportunities

Sasaki remains one of the most intriguing possibilities.

After returning from the injured list Tuesday, Sasaki worked a scoreless inning against the Padres. He allowed two singles but struck out two while averaging 98.7 mph with his fastball and reaching 101.7 mph.

The Dodgers intend to give him additional relief appearances before deciding how he fits into their postseason bullpen.

Sasaki already has experience handling the ninth inning. He moved to the bullpen late last season and emerged as a trusted closing option during the Dodgers’ championship run.

Roberts said Sasaki filled that role admirably when injuries and performance issues created an opening.

That history gives the Dodgers confidence that he can handle high-leverage situations, but it does not guarantee he will reclaim the closer role.

Sasaki still needs to show that his command, velocity and right-middle-finger blister will hold up over multiple appearances.

Edwin Díaz Has Pitched His Way Back Into The Discussion

Edwin Díaz is also working his way back into the late-inning conversation.

His postseason roster spot appeared uncertain after an uneven rehabilitation assignment, but his first three appearances since returning from the injured list were scoreless. He allowed one hit and one walk while striking out six during that stretch.

Roberts said Díaz’s recent performance has put him back among the pitchers the Dodgers can trust.

Díaz entered the season as the expected closer, but injuries and inconsistency eventually cost him that role. His recent improvement creates another option, although three successful appearances are still a small sample after a difficult year.

The Dodgers must determine whether his slider and command have improved enough to trust him against the heart of a postseason lineup.

Flexible Bullpen Does Not Mean A Lack Of Confidence

The absence of one designated closer could be interpreted as uncertainty, but Roberts views the Dodgers’ current bullpen depth differently.

He said the relief group is in as strong a position as it has been at the end of any season during his time with Los Angeles.

That depth gives the Dodgers choices.

Scott can face a difficult group of left-handed hitters. Sasaki can provide overpowering velocity and potentially record more than three outs. Díaz offers extensive closing experience if his recent improvement continues.

The Dodgers can also adjust based on availability. A reliever who throws 25 pitches one night may not be the best ninth-inning option the following day, especially during a postseason series without an immediate off day.

Using multiple pitchers in save situations would allow Roberts to avoid forcing one reliever into every ninth inning regardless of matchups or recent workload.

October Performance Could Establish A Favorite

The Dodgers are not ruling out the possibility that one pitcher eventually separates himself from the group.

Sasaki could recreate the dominance he showed as a reliever last October. Scott could continue providing stability. Díaz could complete his late-season turnaround and reclaim the job he was originally signed to handle.

For now, none of them owns the ninth.

That gives Roberts the freedom to use his best available reliever when the game reaches its most important moment—even if that moment arrives before the final inning.

The approach also creates one of the Dodgers’ biggest questions entering October:

Who would you trust to get three outs with the season on the line?