Ben

Casparius

Casparius struck out two over 1 1/3 scoreless frames on Wednesday in his latest Cactus League appearance against the Reds. The unheralded 26-year-old righty was a revelation last postseason during Los Angeles’ World Series title run, allowing one run over 6 1/3 frames in four playoff appearances. He figures to play a prominent role early on with Edgardo Henriquez (foot), Evan Phillips (shoulder) and Michael Kopech (forearm) likely to miss time at the outset of the regular season.

The Dodgers are opening with Casparius as part of a bullpen game. Los Angeles has used the bullpen for an entire game in each round of the playoffs. The Dodgers lineup: Shohei Ohtani DH, Mookie Betts RF, Freddie Freeman 1B, Teoscar Hernández LF, Max Muncy 3B, Enrique Hernández CF, Gavin Lux 2B, Will Smith C, and Tommy Edman SS.

Casparius has replaced Michael Grove, who suffered an apparent injury. The Dodgers are still carrying 13 pitchers for the rest of the NLDS.

Casparius had a 2.16 ERA over 8 1/3 innings in three appearances for the Dodgers.

Casparius came in as the bulk reliever after Ryan Brasier allowed a run in his inning of work as the opener. Casparius was much more effective even while allowing the pair of runs, and showed off a swing-and-miss ability that has seen his stock rise considerably in the minors in 2024. Casparius likely won’t be a big part of the Dodgers in the postseason, but it’s not hard to see him making starts for Los Angeles in 2025.

Casparius was sent down on Tuesday, but is back already as a fresh arm for the bullpen with Brusdar Graterol hitting the injured list. Casparius has allowed one run in two appearances with Los Angeles this year.

Casparius is being sent down to make room for top prospect Edgardo Henriquez on the Dodgers’ active roster. Casparius had five strikeouts and allowed one run in two appearances with the Dodgers this year.

Casparius is expected to pitch Friday at some point behind opener Ryan Brasier. He has a chance to pick up a win, for those desperate for help in that category. Zach Logue was optioned to make room.

Casparius was up for a brief stint with Los Angeles over the weekend as extra relief depth ahead of Sunday’s roster expansion.

The Dodgers lost a pair of pitchers to the injured list on Friday in Joe Kelly (shoulder) and Clayton Kershaw (toe), so they desperately needed some reinforcements. Casparius has spent a few days with the Dodgers this season but has yet to appear in a ballgame.