Dodgers’ Michael Kopech Had ‘Difficult’ Offseason, Will Likely Open Season on Injured List

The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a near-perfect offseason, but especially in the world of sports, perfection doesn’t exist.

Bringing in Cy Young award winners, international stars, veteran standouts, and key pieces from last season, the Dodgers are building a team whose sole purpose is to become baseball’s first repeat champions in a quarter-century.

Unfortunately, it will likely start with one of last year’s most prized acquisitions on the injured list.

The team received unfortunate news last month that Michael Kopech was behind schedule in his recovery efforts. The right-hander referenced elbow inflammation that he was able to play through in October and other factors that have slowed him down.

“It’s nothing serious,” Kopech said to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. “I was dealing with a little of it last year during the postseason. … But then with trying to deal with that this offseason and also having some illness and ailments across my family it kind of slowed down my progress. I’m just a little behind is all it is. It’s not anything I’m concerned about as far as injury or anything like that. We had a tough January and it kind of made me put a halt to my training.”

The reliever is still optimistic regarding the 2025 season, but didn’t know for sure when asked if he would start the campaign on the injured list.

“More than likely. I don’t really know,” Kopech said to Plunkett. “Things could happen quickly and I could be ready for our home opener. I’m not really sure, though, so it’s hard for me to say that definitively and be sure about it.”

Since arriving by way of a trade with the Chicago White Sox last season, Kopech dazzled on the mound in his 24 innings with the Dodgers. His ERA was a formidable 1.13 as he hurled 29 strikeouts to only 10 walks in Los Angeles.

His productivity remained in October as his postseason ERA was 3.00 in 10 appearances. He added 10 strikeouts and only three earned runs, proving to be a key part of the World Series.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Have you joined our Discord Channel yet? Be a part of the ultimate Dodgers Nation community and get VIP Nation Access! Don’t miss out on real-time Dodgers talk, call-in access to Dodgers Dougout, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, giveaways, and more!