Dodgers Make Roster Change Amidst NL Division Series Due to Injury

In breaking news from San Diego, the Los Angeles Dodgers have made a significant change to their roster for the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres. This adjustment comes after an unspecified injury to a key player, as confirmed by MLB medical director Dr. Gary Green.

The Dodgers announced that right-hander Michael Grove has been dropped from their NL Division Series roster. This decision was made following a review of medical information, which was subsequently validated by the commissioner’s office in an official statement released Tuesday.

Grove’s removal from the lineup is a blow to the Dodgers, as he recently pitched in Game 2, a match the Dodgers lost 10-2. During that outing, Grove faced two batters in the eighth inning, allowing a home run and securing a strikeout.

Addressing the situation, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remarked, “Shoulder thing he’s been dealing with for quite some time. Recovery is not good. We understand the cost of the next round, not being available. Michael’s extremely disappointed.” Grove, at 27, held a season record of 4-4, with a 5.12 ERA across two starts and 37 relief appearances.

Replacing Grove on the roster is rookie right-hander Ben Casparius. Casparius, 25, made his major league debut on August 31 and has shown promise, with a record of 2-0 and a 2.16 ERA over three relief appearances. He has struck out 12 batters and walked four in 8⅓ innings.

Meanwhile, Dodgers All-Star player Freddie Freeman was seen back in the lineup for Game 3. Freeman, who left Game 2 due to discomfort from a sprained right ankle, played at first base and batted third. Despite his injury, he managed to finish the game with a single and contributed offensively, although the team suffered a narrow 6-5 defeat.

In a critical development for the team’s postseason ambitions, it was noted that Grove is ineligible to participate in the NL Championship Series should the Dodgers advance, though he may return for the World Series.

The Associated Press has contributed additional insights to this story.