Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that right-hander Ben Casparius will work as the team's bulk reliever following right-hander Shohei Ohtani (elbow), who is making his debut as a pitcher for L.A. in Monday's series opener against the division-rival San Diego Padres. Casparius made his second start of the season last Wednesday against the Padres at Petco and gave up a run over four innings of work while walking two and striking out two. The Dodgers are going to use the 26-year-old in more of a traditional starting role moving forward while they continue to stretch out Ohtani, although he'll be the bulk reliever in this one. The former fifth-round pick in 2021 out of Connecticut has looked great in his second year in the big leagues in 2025, going 4-1 with a 2.86 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 46:9 K:BB in 44 innings over 22 outings (two starts).

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts sounded open to the idea of stretching right-hander Ben Casparius out moving forward in order to serve in a traditional starting role and not just as an opener, according to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya. Right-hander Tony Gonsolin (elbow) is on the injured list, while the Dodgers recently got relievers Michael Kopech and Kirby Yates back from the IL, which lessens the need for Casparius in the bullpen. The 26-year-old made the start at Petco Park on Wednesday in the series finale against the division-rival San Diego Padres, and he's stretched out right now to go around three innings or 45 pitches. Casparius has gone at least three innings in only four of his 21 appearances this year, but that could change going forward. He's been solid with a 4-1 record, 2.93 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 44:7 K:BB in 40 innings and would have even more fantasy value as a starter.

The Athletic's Fabian Aradaya reports that Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Ben Casparius will either start or pitch bulk innings in Monday's series opener in Miami against the Marlins. The 26-year-old has made himself very valuable to a Dodgers pitching staff that is pretty beat up, and he can mainly thank his cutter. Casparius' fastball velocity is up this year, as he's averaging 95.8 mph and touching 99. His slider sits around 84.8 mph, while his cutter has averaged 91.5 mph, sitting between his fastball and slider with a similar enough movement profile to play off both of his primary pitches. Casparius has thrown his cutter 19.1% of the time in 2024 and has pounded the strike zone with it. Opposing hitters have gotten just four hits against the cutter on 19 at-bats, swinging and miss on 26.8% of the times they swing at it. It's an excellent matchup for Casparius, who could make multiple starts for the Blue moving forward.

Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Ben Casparius has a "good chance" to make the Opening Day roster as a multi-inning reliever. Last season Casparius made his MLB debut and logged eight 1/3 innings with the Dodgers and held a 2.16 ERA with a 1.56 WHIP. He tallied 12 punchouts. Across this small stint, he generated an elite 4.8 percent barrel rate. At Triple-A, Casparius logged 67 innings and posted a 3.36 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. He tallied 72 punchouts and served up 35 free passes. Earlier in the season, he held a similar 3.32 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP across 21 2/3 innings with Double-A. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his development at spring training, but it appears Casparius is viewed as a favorite to break camp. If he does earn a spot on the Opening Day roster, he could have value in NL-only leagues if he is used as a swingman.