After earning a roster spot for the Tokyo Series, Ben Casparius has been a regular contributor in the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen this season.
The right-hander had a solid showing as a rookie last year and initially carried that success over into his first full Major League campaign. Through the end of May, Casparius posted a 2.72 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with 42 strikeouts against seven walks in 36.1 innings pitched across 19 games (one start).
However, the 26-year-old has largely struggled since then as he owns a 7.50 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in his last 30 innings of work across 13 appearances. All the while he’s gone from earning a spot in the rotation to being back in the bullpen.
Casparius has been working with Dodgers pitching coaches in effort to get back on track, focusing on his mechanics and the way he attacks batters.
“The different workload, just trying to get back acclimated to a relief role,” Casparius said. “Kind of going through some mechanical changes and working on stuff.
“I’m working with those guys almost every single day about the attack plan, or maybe different pitch shapes and stuff like that. I think it’s coming along.”
When asked to elaborate on some of the changes, Casparius noted he wants to be able to throw freely on the mound and not worry about as much about his body.
“I think getting to a point where I’m out on the mound and everything is easy flowing, that’s when I think I’m at my best,” Casparius explained. “And not necessarily thinking about the way my legs are moving, how I’m coming set or where my arms are going.”
Save at Fenway Park ‘special’ for Ben Casparius
The Dodgers took the opening game from the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park last week, which ended with Casparius recording his first career save.
Casparius, who grew up in the New England region, said being able to pitch in front of his family and friends is something he will never forget.
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