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After a dominant start to the season as a reliever, right-hander Ben Casparius is set to get an opportunity to prove himself as a starter with the Dodgers. Initially tabbed as an opener for a bullpen game against the Padres on Wednesday, manager Dave Roberts revealed to reporters (including Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic) before Wednesday's game that Casparius could be stretched out further to operate as a starting pitcher while the club is short-staffed due to the recent loss of Tony Gonsolin. After Wednesday's outing, where he threw four innings of one-run ball, Roberts announced that Casparius’s next outing would be as a starter, as relayed by MLB.com’s Sonja Chen.
It’s hard to argue Casparius hasn’t earned a look in a larger role, as he’s done nothing but produce in the majors for the Los Angeles. The club’s fifth-rounder back in 2021, Casparius made his big league debut last August and immediately delivered with a 2.16 ERA and 1.73 FIP across 8 1/3 innings of work down the stretch. After debuting just in time to be eligible for the postseason, Casparius was a part of the Dodgers’ playoff roster mix during last October’s World Series run and continued to deliver on the biggest stage with a 1.42 ERA in 6 1/3 postseason innings against the Mets and Yankees.
This year, it’s been more of the same over a much larger sample size. His 44 innings of work this season have seen him produce a 2.86 ERA with a 1.89 FIP while striking out 26.0% of his opponents and walking just 5.1%. Those numbers are nothing short of brilliant, and while Casparius hasn’t hasn’t ever been challenged with facing the opposing lineup a third time in his career he maxed out at 70 pitches earlier this year and threw 54 in Wednesday's outing, suggesting he’s not too far from being fully stretched out to start. Even if the Dodgers don’t want to use him much deeper in games than the fifth inning, it’s easy to see the logic in giving Casparius this opportunity, given the other options the club has at its disposal at the moment.
With key arms like Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, and Gonsolin among the eight starting pitchers presently on the injured list and Shohei Ohtani still at least a few weeks out from pitching in big league games, the Dodgers need to turn to their depth options to fill out the rotation behind Dustin May, Clayton Kershaw, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Justin Wrobleski had previously gotten the opportunity to be the fourth starter behind that trio, but the lefty has a 7.20 ERA in 15 innings of work at the big league level this year. Bobby Miller (12.60 ERA) and Landon Knack (5.12 ERA) have also struggled in their own limited opportunities at the MLB level, and the only other starter on the 40-man roster at present is right-hander Nick Frasso. Frasso not only hasn’t yet made his MLB debut, but he’s struggling badly with a 5.31 ERA in 42 1/3 innings of work at Triple-A this year.
With so few quality starting options presently at the club’s disposal, giving Casparius a chance to build on Wednesday's strong (albeit brief) start against San Diego is practically a no-brainer. Even so, it’s difficult to imagine Casparius pitching himself into a completely permanent role in Los Angeles’s rotation; with so many talented arms in the organization ahead of him on the depth chart, he’ll likely need additional injuries to crop up if he hopes to remain in a rotation role even after ace-level pitchers like Snell and Glasnow return from the injured list.
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Cubs Predicted To Sign Star Outfielder To Mega-Deal This Winter
It has been a fantastic season for the Chicago Cubs, and a significant reason is because of a singular offseason decision. After winning 83 games the past two seasons, the Cubs got aggressive during the offseason to improve. Chicago was a team that was heading in the right direction but lacking a superstar to help push them over the top. To the surprise of many, they were able to accomplish that with a blockbuster trade that brought Kyle Tucker of the Houston Astros in. Before being traded to Chicago, Tucker was establishing himself as a star with the Astros, but he may have flown under the radar a bit with some other big names on the team. For four straight years, he was able to total a bWAR of 4.5 or higher, with his bWAR being over 5.0 in three of those campaigns. Even though he might not have been a national name before the trade, Tucker was a key part of the success for Houston. Tucker's cost The price to acquire him certainly wasn’t cheap for the Cubs. They sent three very good players to the Astros, with Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith both having a massive impact already for Houston. It was a steep price for a player entering the final year of his contract, and that is something that is still looming over the heads of the organization. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report recently predicted that Tucker would sign an 11-year, $441 million deal this offseason to remain with the Cubs. “Without so much as a close runner-up, Kyle Tucker is the crown jewel of this year's free agency class.” While the numbers might seem big for the proposed contract, Tucker is a true star in the game and is going to certainly be getting north of $400 million. When looking at the recent contract extension for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays, he is going to be making an average salary of just over $35 million per year throughout his contract. That seems like a fair spot to start for Tucker, who is going to be the top prize in free agency. Luckily, what could end up benefiting the Cubs is that there might not be a ton of competition to sign him in free agency. Juan Soto’s price went through the roof with the New York Mets and New York Yankees both pursuing him last winter. However, as of now, the market for Tucker might not be as crazy as it has been in recent years. For the Cubs, keeping Tucker this winter is going to be their top priority and would be a crushing blow if they lost him in free agency. The Latest Chicago Cubs News Division Matchups And Blue Jays Clash Set Tone For Cubs Playoff Chase Cubs Should Avoid Reunion With Recently Released Former All-Star Pitcher Cubs Star Prospect Owen Caissie Reacts To MLB Trade Deadline, Not Being Moved Cubs New Starting Pitcher Set To Debut Against Reds Next Week
Knee operation: Kirby Dach not yet back on his feet
Two years ago to the day, Canadiens fans were optimistic about Kirby Dach’s future in Montreal: the 6’4 forward had just collected 38 points in 58 games – in his first campaign in Quebec – and many wondered whether Dach had a better chance of establishing himself as a first NHL center than captain Nick Suzuki. The past 730 days have proven otherwise, but that’s not the point this morning. Since joining the Canadiens, Dach has earned a reputation as a fragile player. Virus, shoulder, upper body (concussion?), lower body, knee(ACL and MCL), knee again… Let’s just say that injuries haven’t spared Dach since he arrived in Montreal. In fact, injuries haven’t spared Dach since he started playing hockey. He has never played more than 70 games in a single season, and has only broken the 60-game barrier three times in nine junior or pro seasons. Last February, Dach underwent a second operation on his right knee in the space of 18 months. Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes may tell us that Kirby Dach is fine,but we still have our doubts. Especially whenyou consider that, with the Canadiens’ recent additions and departures, Kirby Dach is still the team’s second center on the organizational chart. content-ads]Last week, I wondered where Kirby was ? We’ve seen plenty of Habs players skating at the CN Complex this summer, but not Kirby Dach. And I had to work like a monk to catch a glimpse of him in a video filmed at Nick Suzuki’s wedding! Yesterday, I was told that Kirby Dach was spending the summer in Edmonton with Kaiden Guhle – Dach is from Saskatchewan and Guhle is from Alberta – and that Dach was still in rehab. I repeat: five months after his most recent knee operation and some 40 days before the start of practice camp, Kirby Dach is still not recovered and ready to play. Good informants spotted him in an Edmonton gym doing squats with loads that look like the ones I used to take when I went to Econofitness, not the ones an NHL player uses [content-ads]This explains it: when he came to Montreal for his captain’s wedding, Kirby Dach couldn’t – or wouldn’t – skate with his teammates in Brossard. It’s worth noting that Dach is also very quiet on social networks – his last post was in November 2024 – probably in an effort to be forgotten… to go unnoticed. Spending the summer in Alberta, rather than in Montreal (with his chums at Osheaga), makes sense, when you think about it…Let’s just say that the chances of Dach starting his season at the same time as everyone else in two months’ time are pretty slim, which is cause for concern for those hoping to see the Canadiens in the playoffs in 2026. Yes, the Kirby Dach problem would be solved if a guy like Mason MacTavish-good offensively, defensively, physically and in the face-off circle-came to Montreal, but let’s just say that the odds of that happening this summer are very low. And you can’t make plans with very improbable things![spacer title=’Prolongation’]Matthew Tkachuk, who was injured last winter while throwing down the gloves at the 4 Nations tournament, underwent surgery last month (hernia and adductor). According to the latest information from Elliotte Friedman, Tkachuk could return to action just before the Olympic Games. Let’s hope Kirby Dach doesn’t have to wait as long as Tkachuk.
Three potential landing spots for disgruntled Bills RB James Cook
Superstar pass-rusher Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys aren't the only ones involved in a contract dispute. Buffalo Bills star running back James Cook is seeking a pay raise as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract. When asked Sunday why he wasn't practicing, Cook responded: "Business." ESPN insider Adam Schefter noted on Monday the hold-in by Cook, the 2022 second-round pick (63rd overall) who is unhappy with his contract situation. For now, Cook's future with the Bills is in question, so let's look at three teams that should be lighting up general manager Brandon Beane's phone in an attempt to pry him from Buffalo. Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles must continue to add weapons around second-year QB Caleb Williams. Per NFL.com, Chicago ranked 25th in the league in rushing yards (102 per game) and 29th in yards per carry (four) last season, which is not good enough to support a young QB. RB D'Andre Swift (253 carries, 959 yards rushing, 3.8 yards per carry) is a solid option but was inefficient last season in the workhorse role. Cook, who rushed for 1,009 yards last season (4.9 per carry), is an efficient runner who could balance this offense. Chicago has the draft capital and salary-cap space (roughly $13M, per Over The Cap) to get a deal done, particularly if it were to send Swift back the other way. Arizona Cardinals Their offense could reach new heights with a dynamic running back like Cook. James Conner, who rushed for a career-high 1,094 yards last season, has been a solid lead runner in Arizona over the past four years, but the 30-year-old could use help. Conner is a power back. Speedster Cook would bring a different style and create an explosive one-two punch with QB Kyler Murray. Per Over The Cap, Arizona has roughly $35M in cap space and all its own draft picks to get a deal done. It's a move it must consider to compete in the loaded NFC West. Minnesota Vikings What better way is there to aid rookie QB J.J. McCarthy than by trading for a high-end running back? Minnesota has perhaps the best receiving groups in the NFL, so improving the run game could make this offense unstoppable. Running back Aaron Jones will turn 31 on Dec. 2, so Cook — who will turn 26 on Sept. 25 — would be an upgrade. Free-agent RB Dalvin Cook, who has a similar running style to James, his brother, rushed for 1,173 yards with the Vikings in 2022. The Vikings have draft picks to make a solid offer, and while their cap space will get tight in 2026, they can find ways to wiggle their way around it. Perhaps Buffalo would be interested in Jones being a part of the deal to help its backfield in the short term.
Napheesa Collier Injury Update Adds Drama to Lynx’s Historic Victory
If you’re a Minnesota Lynx fan, your emotions are probably still doing somersaults. Sure, the Lynx just steamrolled the Las Vegas Aces 111-58, accomplishing the largest road win in WNBA history. But the team’s MVP frontrunner, Napheesa Collier, left the game limping, and no amount of points can distract from that gut punch. Collier’s departure came late in the third quarter with her team already leading by a colossal margin. She collided awkwardly with teammate Alanna Smith while jostling for a rebound, and down she went, landing uncomfortably on her right ankle. It was one of those moments that takes the air out of any arena, no matter the scoreline. Why Collier’s Injury Sends Chills Through the WNBA Collier was in peak form before the injury. Earlier in the quarter, her scoring kicked into high gear, bringing her total to 18 points, to go along with five assists, three rebounds, and two steals in just 26 minutes. The Lynx were cruising with a confidence that comes naturally when your franchise player elevates everyone around her. Which is exactly why her injury stings so much. This isn’t just any player. Collier leads the WNBA in points per game this season with 23.8 and has been the focal point of Minnesota’s stellar 24-5 record. Losing her for any length of time could shake up the entire league, not just the Lynx’s season. Cheryl Reeve Faces Tough Questions Head coach Cheryl Reeve didn’t escape post-game scrutiny, as reporters questioned why Collier was still on the court with such a huge lead. The Lynx were up by a staggering 43 points at the time. Reeve defended her decision, saying, “I didn’t think the game was over… these things happen.” She added, “I get it. People are going to rail on me… but we did what we think was right.” Love her or not (and Lynx fans mostly do), Reeve’s response hits at a deeper truth of pro sports. Coaches have to make a thousand judgment calls mid-game, and hindsight always paints the clearest picture. That said, having your star player laid out on the hardwood in a game that was, for all practical purposes, already locked up, is a moment you’d wish you could rewind. Some Sweet Among the Sour As chaotic as the injury drama was, the game itself was a textbook example of how to make dominance look easy. Kayla McBride was the showstopper, going 8-for-8 from three-point range in the first half, setting a new WNBA record. McBride’s 23 points led all scorers and were emblematic of a Lynx squad firing on all cylinders. Even with Collier’s setback, Minnesota’s victory margin wasn’t just historic; it was a statement. Their 53-point blowout dethroned a 1998 Houston Comets win for the largest road victory in league history. For fans looking for something to smile about amid the concern for Collier, that’s a decent silver lining. The WNBA Holds Its Breath Now the league waits. Collier is set to undergo testing and imaging in the coming days. Whether she travels with the team to their next game in Seattle or heads back to Minnesota for further evaluation remains unclear. Players and fans alike, however, are feeling the weight of uncertainty. Kayla McBride spoke for all of us when she said postgame, “You hate to see anybody go down, but especially your MVP.” The Bigger Picture for the Lynx This season, Collier hasn’t just been a player. She’s been a beacon, driving Minnesota from mere playoff contention to outright championship conversation. If her ankle injury sidelines her for longer than a game or two, the ripple effects will be seismic. For now, the Lynx have an MVP-sized gap to fill in Seattle. They’ll look to McBride and others to step up. But as Reeve so eloquently put it, “I can be both happy for our team and worry about Napheesa Collier at the same time.” Fans, It’s Time to Rally The WNBA has a knack for delivering brutal cliffhangers, and this is no exception. Every die-hard Lynx fan, and plenty of Collier admirers league-wide, are crossing their fingers for a quick recovery. What’s certain is this: Collier’s passion and work ethic have always set the tone for her team. Whether she’s on the court or cheering from the sidelines, you can bet her influence will resonate. For now, though, the Lynx’s postgame celebration is muted. Their historic milestone feels like a warm cup of coffee spilled before you can even take a sip. Here’s hoping Collier’s injury doesn’t turn this sweet season bitter.
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