Dodgers add Ben Casparius to NLCS roster as an extra pitcher, removing Dalton Rushing to balance the bench after Will Smith’s return. Casparius provides multi-inning length to bridge innings in a short series, while the team preserves a defensive/pace-forward bench with Justin Dean and Hyeseong Kim. Ohtani remains a two-way asset but isn’t on the NLCS roster, shaping how LA handles pitching depth and pinch-hitting options against Milwaukee’s lineup.

Casparius rose from a strong early-season reliever to a starter/bridge, then circled back to a relief role as his numbers cooled. His presence, plus the split of a catcher and a leaner bench, signals Dodgers’ willingness to lean on bullpen versatility to survive a best-of-seven with limited off days, especially against a right-handed-heavy Brewers staff.

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Dodgers finish the season hot, then sweep the Reds and push past the Phillies in four games, riding a pitching-centered push and a defense-forward approach even as the offense stalled at times. The club believes there’s another gear to unlock as it chases a deep playoff run.

Ohtani, the MVP silhouette, cooled in the division series with one hit in 18 at-bats and nine strikeouts, prompting Will Smith’s reminder that a surge is coming. Five quality starts from the rotation and a reshaped bullpen have the Dodgers positioned to leverage their depth and win a ballgame when things aren’t clicking.