The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced that they are transitioning reliever Ben Casparius into the starting rotation. The defending champions have been struggling with their pitching rotation, with three staple starters, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki, serving lengthy stints on the IL. Tony Gonsolin became the latest starter to get sidelined indefinitely due to an elbow injury.
Casparius had joined the ballclub as a starter; therefore, the 26-year-old Westport, CO, native shouldn’t encounter many problems in transitioning to the new role. Reflecting on the same, the rookie said, “Yeah, I think so. And obviously, I’ve been doing it for the majority of my professional career, so it’s something I’m comfortable with routine-wise. I’m just looking forward to what’s going on and what’s coming up next.”
Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Looks Forward to Ben Casparius Transitioning to the Starting Role
While speaking about the team’s decision on Casparius, manager Dave Roberts said, “He obviously came up as a starter. By way of need and where we were at, we felt that there was more value out of the ‘pen and being kind of a versatile-type reliever. But where we are at now currently, he’s certainly showing that he’s one of five. I’m not sure of his next turn. But the next time he’s on the mound, it will be as a starter.”
He further added, “I think that’s internally kind of figuring out how we get through this period before we get other guys back to health. What’s best for Ben? What’s best for our ballclub in this moment in time? Those are the conversations. He’s in for whatever is asked of him.” Furthermore, the Dodgers beat reporter with The Athletic, Fabian Ardaya, shared a post on Roberts’ comments on X.com.
Ben Casparius is the ultimate Swiss Army knife on the mound—spot starter, bulk reliever, and high-leverage DAWG all in one! pic.twitter.com/HYer6JYMIE
— Pitch Profiler (@pitchprofiler) June 11, 2025
Casparius has been one of the better pitchers in the Dodgers’ bullpen this season. The reliever is 4-1 for the campaign with an ERA of 2.86, 46 strikeouts, and a 1.02 WHIP in 22 games pitched this season. He has started two games so far this campaign and has pitched for a total of 44 innings, issuing just nine walks in the process.
With the addition of relief pitchers Kirby Yates and Michael Kopech, it seems like the right move for Casparius, who would be expected to fulfill the role of a starter until the Dodgers welcome back some of their staple starters from the IL.
The Dodgers are currently 41-28 for the season, acquiring the top spot in the NL West division. They are fresh off a three-game series win against the San Diego Padres and will now be playing an intra-divisional series against the San Francisco Giants at home in Dodger Stadium starting Friday.