MLB Insider Provides Huge Update on Michael Kopech’s Injury, Status for Dodgers 2025 Season

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made two bullpen additions in recent days, adding left-handed reliever Tanner Scott and right-handed reliever Kirby Yates.

Read more: Dodgers Make Surpise Move, Sign All-Star Reliever Kirby Yates

The Yates signing, which is close to being finalized Tuesday morning, came as a bit of a surprise as the bullpen appeared to be fully loaded heading into the new season.

More news: What Does the Dodgers Bullpen Look Like With Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates Additions?

However, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, who broke news of the deal, provided more insight into why the team was adding Yates.

Nightengale reported standout reliever Michael Kopech, who was acquired by the Dodgers at last year’s trade deadline, was dealing with an injury that could keep him out for the first month of the season.

Now, Nightengale has provided more information on the injury.

Read more: Michael Kopech Expected to Miss Beginning of Dodgers Season Due to Injury

“There is no structural damage with Kopech’s forearm, just inflammation, so the Dodgers plan to be cautious with him at the season’s outset,” Nightengale reported.

Kopech, who had a 4.74 ERA with the Chicago White Sox last season before coming to the Dodgers in a three-team trade, became arguably the team’s best reliever down the stretch.

Kopech had a 1.13 ERA across 24 regular season appearances, striking out 29 batters and notching six saves. He then made 10 postseason appearances, pitching nine innings while allowing three earned runs with 10 strikeouts.

Unfortunately, it appears Kopech will miss the start of next season, which makes the Yates acquisition that much more necessary.

Yates had a 1.17 ERA across 61 appearances with the Texas Rangers last season. The two-time All-Star has a career 3.17 ERA across 422 games.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports