Despite having a few high-leverage bullpen arms like Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, and Brusdar Graterol start the season on the Injured List, the Los Angeles Dodgers have started the 2025 MLB season 4-0, and look as dominating as ever.

The team has faced many setbacks throughout the offseason, such as illnesses, injuries, and family matters.

Kopech is trying to get through those setbacks in hopes of returning to the mound and dominating like he did in 2024.

After being acquired by the Chicago White Sox at the trade deadline, Kopech had a breakthrough with Los Angeles and transitioned smoothly, pitching to a 1.13 ERA in 24 innings over 24 games and recording six saves.

Kopech was dealing with a shoulder and forearm injury heading into spring training and then could not continue rehab for a week or so, dealing with a nasty stomach virus, per The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya.

Michael Kopech said that after his forearm felt good early in camp, he ramped up a little quicker than his shoulder was ready for.

That’s all good now, he says – “I feel better than I did last year,” he said.

He also dealt with a stomach bug that shut him down a bit this month. — Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 27, 2025

Although he did not pitch during spring training or travel with the team for the 2025 Tokyo Series, Kopech was a vital part of the Dodgers’ dominant bullpen during the 2024 playoffs, pitching 3 1/3 scoreless innings against the San Diego Padres in the NLDS.

The 28-year-old flamethrower was a fantastic pickup for Los Angeles, and all the Dodgers’ faithful hope is that he can return sooner rather than later.

Even with Evan Phillips and Kopech out, the Dodgers’ bullpen is still loaded with All-Stars like Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, but has also received significant contributions from Alex Vesia and Ben Casparius.