Dodgers Trade Candidate Returns as Deadline Future Looms

Los Angeles Dodgers righty reliever Ben Casparius, who has quietly been out for months with a shoulder problem, is on a rehabilitation assignment.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Casparius is nursing right shoulder inflammation, one of the trickier injuries for a pitcher due to the shoulder’s sensitivity.

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Shoulder injuries can end up being no big deal if treated early and with caution, but if not, they can be multi-year absences that see setback after setback — look no further than Gavin Stone.

class="wp-block-paragraph">The Dodgers were quite proactive with Casparius as soon as he reported that he did not feel right.

Apr 3, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ben Casparius (78) celebrates with Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) after their game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesCasparius last pitched for the Dodgers in April, when he was placed on the 15-day injured list, and since then he has been working down in Arizona.

class="wp-block-paragraph">However, he is now on his way back — Casparius joined the Oklahoma City Comets for a rehabilitation assignment, marking his return to competitive action for the first time since his injury.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Casparius made his debut with OKC on Saturday, pitching 0.2 innings and allowing a run after one hit and two walks.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Given that his layoff has been so long, it will be a while until he is able to return to the majors.

Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ben Casparius (78) reacts in the sixth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesWhy might the Dodgers trade Ben Casparius at the deadline?The Dodgers are not shy about operating on the margins, and they could look to upgrade from Casparius either by adding another player or by freeing up a spot on the 40-man roster.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Casparius was a success story in 2025, coming out of nowhere to be a key piece of the bullpen, though his play dwindled in the second half of the season.

class="wp-block-paragraph">In 2026, he has a 9.64 ERA through five appearances. With so many pieces of the bullpen getting healthy, the righty’s spot is vulnerable.

class="wp-block-paragraph">The Dodgers could move him for a veteran catcher if Will Smith’s injury is more serious than previously thought, or they could improve on Alex Call in the outfield.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Casparius is a cheap arm that could bring some organizational depth as well, fetching some good prospects as well.

class="wp-block-paragraph">It is not a guarantee that Casparius is dealt, but given how the Dodgers tend to operate, it would be no surprise to see them move him for someone else.