Ben Casparius delivered an outstanding pitching performance on Friday at Citi Field in New York, helping the Dodgers secure a win against the Mets. The rookie right-hander pitched three flawless innings, allowing no hits or runs while striking out six of the 10 batters he faced, reinforcing his growing reputation within the Dodgers pitching staff performance.
Transitioning from a starting role in the minors to a versatile reliever in the majors, Casparius has adapted to multiple bullpen roles with great success. On Tuesday, he notably closed out the eighth inning against the Diamondbacks, escaping a bases-loaded jam while preserving a narrow lead. Friday’s game featured a lengthy 98-minute rain delay, which disrupted the pitching plans for both teams. After both starting pitchers were removed by the third inning, Matt Sauer took over initially, followed by Casparius, who expertly managed the next three innings to carry the Dodgers through the eighth.
Emerging as a Key Bullpen Contributor Amid Injuries
The Dodgers’ starting pitchers have struggled to pitch deep into games, averaging only 4.56 innings per start—lowest in the league. Even counting occasional bulk relief appearances like those of Sauer and Casparius as starts, the team‘s starters still fall short at 4.71 innings per game. This shortfall places heavy pressure on the bullpen, which has been stretched thin by injuries to high-leverage relievers such as Kirby Yates, Evan Phillips, and Blake Treinen. Additionally, Michael Kopech remains on the injured list while working through a rehab assignment without yet appearing in a game this season.
Against this challenging backdrop, Casparius has been a dependable presence in the bullpen. He currently holds a 2.94 ERA and a 2.71 expected ERA, with 38 strikeouts compared to only six walks. His 33⅔ innings pitched rank fourth on the Dodgers, narrowly behind teammate Roki Sasaki. Notably, Casparius frequently handles multiple innings in relief, with 13 out of 17 appearances extending beyond one inning, and six outings lasting longer than two innings, underscoring his role as a vital asset.
Leading National League Rookies in Key Pitching Metrics
Among National League rookies with at least 20 innings pitched, Casparius leads in several important categories. He has the best ERA and Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) at 1.74, along with the highest strikeout rate of 28.4 percent and a strikeout-to-walk rate difference of 23.9 percent. His teammate Jack Dreyer is the only other Dodgers reliever with comparable numbers, ranking second in expected ERA, FIP, and strikeout-to-walk rate, though Dreyer did not pitch in the recent game against the Mets.
Casparius has accumulated 1.2 WAR according to FanGraphs, narrowly trailing the National League rookie leaders Chad Patrick of the Brewers and Drake Baldwin of the Braves, both at 1.3 WAR. As the season is approximately one-third complete, Casparius has already established himself as a serious contender for the National League Rookie of the Year award.
The Importance of Casparius to the Dodgers’ Season Outlook
With limited innings from the starting rotation and key bullpen injuries, Casparius’s role in the Dodgers pitching staff performance has become increasingly critical. His ability to deliver multiple innings of high-quality relief pitching helps manage workloads and maintain competitive depth in the bullpen. The Dodgers will continue to rely on him heavily as the season progresses, with his development likely influencing the team‘s ability to sustain success in the NL West race and postseason aspirations. Casparius’s emergence strengthens the Dodgers’ overall pitching resilience amid ongoing challenges.