The Los Angeles Dodgers have had to creatively manage their pitching staff this season as a result of the mountain of injuries so far this season.
The Dodgers have 14 total pitchers currently on the injured list, though did just welcome back Kirby Yates and Michael Kopech last weekend. However, the starting rotation remains in a bad spot after Tony Gonsolin was placed on the 15-day IL the same day Yates and Kopech were activated.
A lack of healthy starting pitchers has seemingly created an opportunity for Ben Casparius to join the rotation. Casparius has been one of the Dodgers’ best high-leverage bullpen options this season, and also he moonlights as a long reliever whenever called upon.
Casparius made 57 starts over four seasons in the Minors before the Dodgers converted him to a reliever upon his promotion to the Majors last season.
Now with a pressing need in their rotation, manager Dave Roberts called it a “likely possibility” that Casparius returns to his natural role.
It is a move that the Dodgers have avoided in the past because the right-hander is emerged as one of their most valuable relievers. The team places a premium on the flexibly Casparius provides as a reliever, especially with their bullpen being impacted by injuries.
But the return of Yates and Kopech makes that an easier pill to swallow and the loss of Gonsolin makes it somewhat of a necessity.
“I think that’s one part of it,” Roberts said of the bullpen getting healthier being a factor behind moving Casparius into the starting rotation.
“I also think the fact that losing Gonsolin kind of also created a different opportunity for Ben, or anyone we need.”
The Dodgers are in a position where they simply have to weather the storm until the starting rotation gets healthier. Casparius is currently the most logical option at their disposal because of his background and how well he has pitched this season.
He proved that yet again on Wednesday by holding the San Diego Padres to one run over four innings in an unexpected start. Following the game, Roberts confirmed Casparius’ next time pitching would be in the form of a start as well.
That presumably will be followed by remaining in the Dodgers rotation for an interim basis.
Can Ben Casparius transition into a Dodgers starter?
Casparius has made 22 appearances for the Dodgers in 2025, and recorded at least four outs in 15 of them.
He has shown the capability to handle a workload similar to that of a starter multiple times this season, with five of his appearances this season ranging from three to four innings.
Given enough time to build up his stamina, a semi-permanent move to the rotation could be a natural progression for Casparius to make.
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