Dodgers GM Provides Major Update on Michael Kopech Injury
The Los Angeles Dodgers introduced starting pitcher Roki Sasaki Wednesday and then reliever Tanner Scott Thursday. Both press conferences were at Dodger Stadium.
However, there is one more contract that needs to be finalized.
The Dodgers reportedly agreed to a deal with Kirby Yates and the need for the right-hander came up when it was revealed that Michael Kopech would miss some time to open the season due to right forearm inflammation.
General manager Brandon Gomes provided a brief update on Kopech’s status Wednesday, seeming to downplay the report of the injury.
“He’s throwing and playing catch,” Gomes said. “We’re going to see how he progresses. I don’t think there’s anything of concern at this point.”
According to Bob Nightengale, the hard-throwing right-hander has been dealing with forearm inflammation. While no structural damage has been identified, Nightengale notes that the Dodgers are expected to take a cautious approach with him at the start of the season.
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Fabian Ardaya and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic also reported that Kopech pitched through some discomfort during the postseason.
Kopech was the steal of the trade deadline for the Dodgers in 2024. After being acquired from the White Sox in a three-team trade at the deadline, Kopech had an outstanding start with the Dodgers. Across 24 innings in the second half of the season, he posted a remarkable 1.13 ERA. He struck out 33 percent of batters faced and generated swinging strikes on an impressive 15.8 percent of his pitches.
Kopech’s playoff performance showed some signs of struggle.
While he allowed only three runs over nine innings, he walked seven batters while striking out 10. His 98-99 MPH fastball still had its usual life.
Currently, the forearm inflammation appears to be more of a concern to monitor rather than a major issue. Nightengale reports that Kopech could start the season on the injured list, although the team hasn’t confirmed this publicly. Even if he misses some time early on, the Dodgers’ bullpen, now complete with Yates, is deep enough to manage his absence.
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Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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