The Los Angeles Dodgers postseason roster for the National League Division Series changed hours before first pitch in Game 3 as Michael Grove was replaced by Ben Casparius.
Dr. Gary Green, MLB’s Medical Director, confirmed the injury after a full review of the medical information. The specifics of Grove’s were not announced with MLB’s approval of the roster, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts later provided some clarification.
“There’s a shoulder thing that he’s been dealing with for quite some time. And so the recovery is not good. Inflammation, probably more to that,” Roberts said.
“I’m sure he’ll get a scan. So we understand the cost of the next round, not being available. So Ben Casparius is going to be active. Michael is extremely disappointed, and rightfully so.”
MLB postseason rules allow for a team to request permission from the commissioner’s office to replace a player who is unable to play because of injury. The commissioner’s office may approve or disapprove the request based on the specific facts and circumstances.
In accordance with postseason roster rules, Grove now isn’t eligible to return in the National League Championship Series if the Dodgers advance. He would be among the options the Dodgers could consider if they reach the World Series.
Grove dealt with a right intercostal strain during the season that led to spending nearly two months on the injured list. He logged 51 innings over 39 appearances (two starts), pitching to a 5.12 ERA, 3.87 FIP and 1.22 WHIP.
Why was Michael Grove on playoff roster?
Grove somewhat surprisingly was included on the Dodgers roster for the NLDS in large part because Joe Kelly suffered a right shoulder injury himself during workouts.
Grove’s lone appearance in the NLDS came in Game 2, when he allowed one run home run and retired just one batter in the Dodgers’ blowout loss.
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