Not only are the Los Angeles Dodgers derailed by injuries to their starting rotation, but the bullpen has been killed, too. Michael Kopech, a flamethrowing right-hander who was acquired by the Dodgers at the deadline last season, has yet to pitch in a game this season.
Kopech has been dealing with a shoulder injury, but threw a 30-pitch bullpen session recently and was scheduled for another one on Monday.
According to Dodgers Nation, Kopech stated that he dealt with the injury during the 2024 campaign, but added that he wasn’t missing any time due to the team’s deep run into October, which culminated in a World Series win.
“I wasn’t wanting to miss any time this year but the priority for me was the end of the season last year and the end of the season this year,” Kopech said.
Despite not pitching early on in the campaign, it was reported by Doug Padilla of the Orange County Register that Dave Roberts said Kopech will face live hitters on Monday.
“Roberts said Kopech could move to pitching live batting practice after Monday’s bullpen. A minor-league rehab assignment would follow that step,” said Padilla.
It’s uncertain how his rehab has progressed outside of his bullpens, or how he performed on Monday against live hitters.
However, it’s a promising sign that Kopech has returned to the mound, as the Dodgers need him.
He posted a 1.13 ERA and 0.79 WHIP during the 2024 campaign for Los Angeles, helping the Dodgers win the World Series.
