The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed relief pitcher Ben Casparius on the injured list. This move comes after the team called up Kyle Hurt, raising questions about closer Edwin Diaz's health following a poor performance.
Ben Casparius
The Los Angeles Dodgers put relief pitcher Ben Casparius on the injured list on Monday.
After closer Edwin Diazās first blown start of the season, there was some speculation that the prized free agency acquisition could possibly be hurt.
When Kyle Hurt was called up to the majors, it seemed Diaz was headed to the IL.
It was instead Casparius, not Diaz, whoās injured.
The team said Casparius is suffering from right shoulder inflammation.
The exact cause or extent of Caspariusā injury wasnāt immediately known, though the team said heāll be on the injured list for 15 days.
Aug 8, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Ben Casparius (78) reacts at the end of the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium.
Thus far in the 2026 season, Casparius has struggled.
The righty had appeared in five games and pitched 4.2 innings.
In that time, he has an ERA of 9.64 and WHIP of 2.143.
He also has four strikeouts against four walks.
According to Baseball Savant, Casparius performed well in two categories: whiff percentage and hard-hit percentage. Heās in the 87th and 88th percentile for those categories.
In other statistics, though, heās brutally low.
In expected ERA, for instance, heās in the 13th percentile. In expected batting average, heās in the 22nd percentile.
And in breaking run value, heās in the 7th percentile.
Hurt has limited MLB experience, with only four appearances to his name.
He had one appearance in 2023 and three in 2024 before he sustained a shoulder injury and was shut down for the year.
He also missed all of 2025 after Tommy John surgery.
The right-hander had a strong spring training with the Dodgers in 2026 after his return, though, pitching 7.1 innings in the Cactus League and striking out 12 batters.
Hurt has made six appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season. In 4.2 innings pitched, he has an ERA of 5.79 ERA through 4.2 innings pitched with eight strikeouts. All three of his earned runs this season came from a single outing, and he has had five scoreless performances on the season.
How do you think Kyle Hurt will perform in his latest stint in the majors?
Ben Casparius was placed on the injured list due to unspecified health issues.
Kyle Hurt's call-up indicates the Dodgers are adjusting their pitching staff, likely in response to injuries, including that of Ben Casparius.
There is speculation about Edwin Diaz's health following his first blown start of the season, but it has not been confirmed if he will be placed on the injured list.
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