As Ohtani eases back into pitching, Casparius has become his partner, logging innings in a “bulk” role following Ohtani’s brief starts. They’ll do so again Saturday in Kansas City.

Dylan Hernández is a sports columnist with the Los Angeles Times. Before that, he was the Dodgers beat writer. Hernandez grew up in South Pasadena and graduated from UCLA in 2002, after which he worked at the San Jose Mercury News for five years.

Shohei Ohtani will make his long-awaited return to Kauffman Stadium this weekend. And there is a strong chance he could pitch as well. The Los Angeles Dodgers roll into town on Friday. They will begin a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals to conclude a weeklong homestand. It will be the Dodgers’ first trip to The K since 2023.