Dodgers re-wrote Roki Sasaki's entire story with this unthinkable accomplishment

Just a month ago, the Dodgers had no idea what to do with Roki Sasaki. He was still down in Triple-A, technically rehabbing a shoulder issue but also revamping his mechanics. An issue with his calf conveniently let them keep him in Oklahoma City past the initial Sept. 12 decision date to either keep him there or bring him back to the majors.

They eventually did bring him back on Sept. 24 despite posting a 6.10 ERA in the minors across five starts and two relief appearances. He pitched two relief outings at the very end of the season, but skepticism was still high.

Now, four games into the postseason, he has two saves in two opportunities, which has made MLB history in short order. He's the only pitcher to ever have his first two career saves come in the playoffs (dating back to 1969 when saves became an official stat).

Sasaki's first appearance in Game 2 of the Wild Card Series was electric. He threw over 101 MPH twice and his command was razor sharp. That, combined with the fact that the Dodgers' usual high-leverage arms have been totally unreliable, convinced Dave Roberts to bring him is as LA's closer in a much tighter Game 1 against the Phillies.

At least through the rest of October, Sasaki is now the Dodgers' closer. Although Roberts was initially hesitant to give him the title, he admitted after Game 2 that Sasaki is the "primary option now."

Roki Sasaki completely redeemed his rookie season with stunning postseason performances for Dodgers

It was the best outcome both Sasaki and the Dodgers could've hoped for when, just over two weeks ago, there were no promises that they were going to let him come back to try to salvage his rookie season at all.

A comprehensive feature from Jeff Passan at ESPN detailed Sasaki's journey back to the majors, which included an interesting tidbit: Sasaki initially decided to tackle his adjustments himself. Dave Roberts said, "Good or bad, right or wrong, he hasn't had a whole lot of instruction. He's just been on his own program because of the talent."

Improving meant opening himself up to help from Dodgers' pitching director Rob Hill, who took him through a multi-step process that led to physical adjustments, the most immediately visible of which has been a more bent back leg.

Sasaki will get a chance at a full season as a starter next year (when, hopefully, he'll stay fully healthy), but this was the best possible way his season could've worked out after all he endured early on.