On Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers officially announced their roster for the upcoming National League Championship Series, where they will face the Milwaukee Brewers. The announcement follows the Dodgers' tough NLDS victory over the Philadelphia Phillies and continues their chase for another World Series appearance.
Perhaps the most notable change to the NLDS roster was the removal of rookie catcher Dalton Rushing, who was included for depth during the Division Series but saw little action, with just one at-bat throughout the series. With Will Smith fully healthy and Ben Rortvedt remaining the reliable backup, manager Dave Roberts and the front office decided there was no need to carry a third catcher. Instead, the Dodgers opted to add another pitcher to the bullpen, increasing their flexibility and matchup options against Milwaukee’s potent lineup.
That extra pitcher is Ben Casparius, a right-hander who rejoins the team after spending the latter part of the regular season with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Casparius gained the trust of the Dodgers’ coaching staff earlier in the year because of his reliability and ability to handle high-pressure situations. In the first half of the season, he quietly became one of the more dependable relievers in the Dodgers’ bullpen, with a lively fastball and solid control that let him pitch multiple innings when needed. His addition gives the Dodgers another versatile option to bridge the gap between starters and late-inning relievers like Roki Sasaki and Alex Vesia.
Another key part of the roster is Justin Wrobleski, who retains his spot after being a surprise inclusion in the NLDS. Wrobleski was called up to replace Tanner Scott, who was injured late in the regular season and then removed from the Division Series roster. According to MLB postseason rules, Scott cannot return for the NLCS due to this removal, but he could rejoin the team if the Dodgers make it to the World Series. Meanwhile, Wrobleski provides a valuable left-handed option that the Dodgers can use strategically against Milwaukee’s lineup, which features key lefty hitters like Christian Yelich and Brice Turang.
As the Dodgers prepare for the NLCS, their roster shows a strong focus on pitching depth and situational versatility. Roberts and his staff know they need every tool available to stop a Brewers team that is good at manufacturing runs and taking advantage of pitching matchups. With Casparius back and a healthy Smith anchoring the lineup, the Dodgers appear well-equipped for another deep postseason run.