Monday, April 13, 2026

Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2026

For the first time this season, the Los Angeles Dodgers must place a pitcher on the IL.

Since 2021, the Dodgers have regularly placed pitchers on the IL. Their success has hinged on the health of the pitching staff.

At no point this season has Ben Casparius looked right. His effectiveness hasn’t been there because of command issues. On Sunday, he pitched a satisfactory inning but couldn’t record an out in his second inning.

Casparius was diagnosed with right shoulder inflammation and sent for an MRI.

To take Casparius’ spot in the Dodgers’ bullpen, the Dodgers promoted Kyle Hurt.

The last time that Hurt took the mound at Dodger Stadium was on April 16, 2024. He had Tommy John surgery in June 2024. His rehabilitation process was difficult, including setbacks.

This spring, Hurt looked sharp. He pitched well enough to make the major league roster, but the Dodgers view him as a starter. This season, he will be a multiple-inning, right-handed reliever, a role that the Dodgers need. In Oklahoma City, he appeared in six games and had eight strikeouts. Since Hurt made his major league debut in 2023 against the San Diego Padres, everyone knows Hurt has a nasty slider to go with a hard fastball.

Over the weekend, the Dodgers and their fans worried about Edwin Díaz after he blew a save on Friday. During that game, his velocity was down. However, the Dodgers’ training staff checked him out and determined that no imaging was needed.

Since Díaz injured his ACL during the 2023 World Baseball Classic and missed the entire season, his velocity has been inconsistent, especially early in the season. He will be fine. His slider won’t let the opposition score many runs.

The Dodgers need a strong bullpen to continue having the best record in the majors.