Dodgers GM Provides Massive Update on Michael Kopech’s Reported Injury
Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes has put any uncertainty regarding reliever Michael Kopech to rest.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports previously reported the hard-throwing right-hander would miss the first month of the season due to an arm injury, but it turns out Gomes doesn’t know where that report came from.
“Kopy’s throwing and going through his offseason training program and he’s like everybody else,” Gomes said on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast. “As guys come in, we’re gonna see where they’re at and making sure they’re progressing well but yeah, I’m not sure where the he’s definitely missing a month. We’re getting reports that Kopy’s throwing and feeling really good.”
Kopech proved to be a major trade deadline acquisition for the Dodgers in 2024. Acquired from the White Sox in a three-team deal, Kopech delivered an exceptional performance down the stretch.
Over 24 innings in the second half of the season, he recorded a stellar 1.13 ERA, struck out 33 percent of the batters he faced, and generated swinging strikes on 15.8 percent of his pitches.
His playoff performance, however, revealed some challenges.
Despite allowing only three runs over nine innings, Kopech issued seven walks while striking out 10. His 98-99 MPH fastball retained its usual effectiveness, but The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya and Ken Rosenthal noted that he pitched through some discomfort during the postseason.
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Kopech made 43 appearances for the White Sox in 2024, posting a 2-8 record and a 4.74 ERA. He converted nine of 14 save chances, recording 59 strikeouts and issuing 24 walks.
After joining the Dodgers in the trade, Kopech quickly became a dominant presence on the mound. In 24 regular-season appearances with Los Angeles, he went 4-0. He also successfully converted all six of his save opportunities, striking out 29 batters while walking just 10.
The forearm inflammation Kopech appeared to be dealing with seems more like a situation to monitor than a significant issue.
While Nightengale originally reported that Kopech might begin the season on the injured list, Gomes was quick to dismiss that during his interview.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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