Dodgers get creative with injured arms, plan to utilize Ben Casparius as a starter originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have to get creative with their arms.
The Dodgers have a ridiculous 14 starters and relievers on the injured list, and manager Dave Roberts needs to be smart with his usage so as not to over-expend anyone before the postseason.
But before Los Angeles gets to October, it needs to navigate the gruelingly long season. Here is the latest pitching update, via “Dodger Blue:”
Dave Roberts said it’s a “likely possibility” Ben Casparius starts stretching out a bit to potentially move into the rotation.
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) June 11, 2025
Casparius has made just one start this season, throwing two and 2/3 impressive innings with zero runs allowed on one hit, zero walks, and four strikeouts. Expecting him to become a full-time starter is a tall ask, but a manageable challenge given his production.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) walks to the mound to make a pitching change during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.David Frerker-Imagn Images
As a primary reliever, Casparius has a 2.93 ERA, a 1.72 FIP, and 44 strikeouts to seven walks over 40 innings.
Tyler Glasnow is on the 60-day injured list with a shoulder problem, and while he is back to bullpen sessions, his return date is murky. Blake Snell is in a similar boat to Glasnow and will remain sidelined for an extended period. The final key absentee from the staff is Roki Sasaki (15-day), who has no set return date as of now.
Los Angeles still has Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Clayton Kershaw, and Dustin May, and a dominant, deep bullpen that can shorten games.
However, it would greatly benefit the team and their chances of repeating as World Series champions if someone like Casparius can step up in this time of need.
It is unclear how deep into games Roberts expects Casparius to go, but anything is appreciated at this stage of the schedule.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
