The Los Angeles Dodgers have experienced more pitching injuries than any other team in baseball this season. The starting rotation is starting to look the Island of Misfit Toys, and it can change at a moment’s notice.
Now, one of the current members of the rotation, Ben Casparius is getting the chance to solidify his spot.
“Where we were at (earlier this season), we felt that there was more value [having him come] out of the ‘pen and being kind of a versatile type reliever,” Roberts told Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times. “But where we are at now currently, he’s certainly showing that he’s one of five.”
Casparius conceded one earned run over four innings of work in his first start of the season against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday. It was his first Major League start, and now he is using his experience to reach his goal of keeping his rotation spot for the time being.
“Taking that reliever mindset, pitch by pitch, inning by inning, has helped me to slow the game down in general,” Casparius told Harris. “So I think it’s been kind of a blessing. And then whatever happens going forward, I think I can just use that to keep going.”
And Dave Roberts was quick to confirm some details about Casparius’ next start.
“The next time he’s on the mound, it will be as a starter,” Roberts told the Times.
As Harris pointed out, Casparius is unlikely to be a prominent figure in the rotation once everyone is healthy. However, he’s holding his own currently and gives the Dodgers a chance to win when he takes the mound.
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