With the Los Angeles Dodgers set to participate in the MLB Tokyo Series starting March 18th, the commencement of their regular season is rapidly approaching, less than two weeks away. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently addressed the media, offering valuable insights into the composition of the team’s bullpen as they prepare to depart spring training.
Roberts’ comments provided a glimpse into the strategic considerations shaping the Dodgers’ relief corps. While specific roster decisions are still pending, his remarks indicated a bullpen designed for effectiveness, aiming to integrate seasoned veterans with emerging young pitchers. This blend of experience and potential signifies the Dodgers’ commitment to building a versatile and reliable bullpen for the upcoming season.
Ben Casparius Competing For Spot In Los Angeles Dodgers Bullpen
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently indicated that right-handed pitcher Ben Casparius has a strong possibility of securing a middle reliever role on the team, as reported by Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. This potential roster spot comes after Casparius’s impressive showing during the latter part of the 2024 season.
Drafted by the Dodgers in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB draft from the University of Connecticut, the 6’2″ Casparius made his major league debut in late August 2024. In his initial stint, the 26-year-old logged eight innings, striking out 12 batters. His performance extended into the postseason, where he delivered four scoreless innings against the New York Mets in the NLCS. Notably, Casparius started Game 4 of the World Series against the New York Yankees, contributing two innings of work.
“Casparius’ money pitch is a mid-80s slider that has a quality horizontal and vertical break, and he also can morph it into an upper-80s cutter that has been clocked up to 94 mph, the report read,” MLB.com’s scouting report on Casparius. “His fastball has only modest carry and arm side run but played better when he added velocity last season, and he now operates at 94-96 mph and touches 99.”
With the offseason acquisition of left-handed pitcher Tanner Scott to serve as their closer, and the addition of veteran Kirby Yates, the Dodgers have significantly bolstered their relief corps. Should Ben Casparius secure a spot on the MLB roster, he will join a talented group that includes Scott and Yates, as well as established relievers Blake Treinen and Alex Vesia. This collection of pitchers, combining experienced veterans with emerging talent like Casparius, positions the Dodgers’ bullpen to be a key asset in their pursuit of success this season.