Casparius replaces injured Grove on Dodgers' NLDS roster
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SAN DIEGO -- The Dodgers made a change to their roster ahead of Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Padres, adding rookie reliever Ben Casparius in place of Michael Grove.
Grove was replaced due to an injury. Major League Baseball approved the roster substitution on Tuesday. Dr. Gary Green, MLB’s medical director, confirmed the injury after a full review of the medical information.
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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Grove has not been recovering well after dealing with a lingering "shoulder thing" that involves some inflammation, and he is expected to undergo imaging on the area.
MLB postseason rules allow clubs to request to replace a player who is unable to play due to injury. The Commissioner’s Office may approve or disapprove the request based on the specific facts and circumstances. Because the Dodgers' request was approved, Grove would be ineligible for the NL Championship Series, but he could return for the World Series if the team advances.
"We understand the cost of the next round, [Grove] not being available," Roberts said. "So Ben Casparius is going to be active. And Michael is extremely disappointed and rightfully so."
Grove appeared in 39 games (two starts) for Los Angeles and posted a 5.12 ERA across 51 innings. The 27-year-old right-hander made one appearance in the NLDS, allowing one run on a solo homer in one-third of an inning in Game 2.
Casparius, the Dodgers' No. 23 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, allowed three runs (two earned) in 8 1/3 innings (2.16 ERA) over three games with the big league club this season. Primarily a starter in the Minors, the 25-year-old righty could cover bulk innings for L.A. in the postseason.