Dodgers Place Ben Casparius on IL as Bullpen Concerns Mount in Early 2026

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen issues continue to surface early in the 2026 season, with another roster move highlighting growing depth concerns. While the team has maintained a strong overall record, inconsistency on the pitching side has become an early storyline.

On Monday, the Dodgers officially placed right-handed reliever Ben Casparius on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation. The move comes as the team looks to stabilize its relief corps amid uneven performances and early-season injuries.

To fill the roster spot, Los Angeles recalled right-hander Kyle Hurt from Triple-A Oklahoma City, bringing in a fresh arm as manager Dave Roberts adjusts to an evolving bullpen situation.

The transaction adds another layer to the Dodgers’ pitching puzzle, as they continue to navigate both performance volatility and health setbacks across their relief group.

1. Casparius Sidelined After Shoulder Issue

Casparius’ injury stems from right shoulder inflammation, an issue that forced the Dodgers to shut him down and place him on the 15-day injured list. The move is precautionary but comes at a time when the bullpen is already under scrutiny. The right-hander has appeared in four games this season, working a total of 4.2 innings without recording a save. His limited usage reflects both early-season uncertainty and inconsistent results in high-leverage spots. Opponents have capitalized on his outings, collecting six hits and five runs against him, including a home run surrendered earlier in April against the Washington Nationals. Most recently, Casparius struggled during Sunday’s 5-2 loss to the Texas Rangers, where he allowed two hits and two runs in a short relief appearance, further signaling his early-season struggles.

2. Dodgers Turn to Kyle Hurt for Reinforcements

In response to Casparius’ absence, the Dodgers recalled Kyle Hurt from Triple-A Oklahoma City to reinforce the bullpen. The move gives Los Angeles another option as they manage workloads and injuries among their relievers. Hurt has already logged brief minor league action this season, allowing three runs across 4.2 innings in six appearances. While his early numbers are limited, the organization views him as a depth arm capable of stepping into middle relief duties. The right-hander also gained valuable exposure during spring training, where he impressed by striking out 12 batters over more than seven innings while posting a 3.68 ERA during Cactus League play. That combination of strikeout ability and prior big-league exposure gives the Dodgers confidence that Hurt can contribute in short bursts while Casparius recovers.

3. Bullpen Questions Despite Strong Dodgers Start

Despite the pitching concerns, the Dodgers remain one of the league’s strongest teams, holding an 11-4 record early in the season. Their offense and rotation have helped offset some bullpen inconsistency so far. However, cracks are beginning to show, particularly in relief depth. Early struggles from multiple arms, including new addition Edwin Díaz experiencing a dip in velocity, have raised internal concerns about late-game reliability. Manager Dave Roberts has already had to navigate multiple adjustments, mixing and matching bullpen roles while waiting for stability to emerge. Casparius’ injury only adds to that challenge. As the Dodgers prepare for their upcoming matchup against the New York Mets at Chavez Ravine, the focus will again fall on whether their bullpen can hold up behind an otherwise dominant start to the season.