Michael Kopech Behind Schedule, Could Open Season On Injured List
1 month agoLos Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that right-handed reliever Michael Kopech (forearm) is behind schedule in his ramp-up to open spring training, and the skipper is unsure if Kopech will have to start the 2025 regular season on the injured list. Kopech dealt with right-forearm inflammation this winter, although some in the Dodgers organization were saying that his injury was being overblown. The 28-year-old hasn't been shut down from throwing, though, so if he does start the year on the IL, hopefully it won't be a lengthy stay before he makes his season debut. The hard-throwing reliever was great for the Dodgers in 24 regular-season appearances last year after being acquired from the White Sox, posting a 1.13 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and six saves. However, the additions of relievers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates this offseason make it unlikely Kopech sees many save chances in 2025.
Source: Los Angeles Time - Jack Harris
Source: Los Angeles Time - Jack Harris
Michael Kopech Throws Off The Mound
3 weeks agoLos Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Michael Kopech (forearm) threw off the mound earlier on Saturday. Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic noted that the right-handed pitcher is expected to "touch the mound" for a brief session on Sunday as well. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring Kopech's status throughout camp, as he may miss the start of the season. Earlier in the offseason, Kopech was unavailable due to right forearm inflammation. However, seeing the 28-year-old begin to throw off the mound is a positive sign. Last season, the Dodgers acquired Kopech from the Chicago White Sox at the trade deadline. With the Dodgers, Kopech held a stellar 1.13 ERA and a 0.79 WHIP across 24 innings of work. He tallied 29 punchouts and six saves. When cleared for action, he should have a high-leverage role and compete for save opportunities.
Source: David Vassegh
Source: David Vassegh
Michael Kopech's Forearm Injury May Be Overblown
2 months agoLos Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said on Wednesday that reports of a forearm injury for right-handed reliever Michael Kopech (forearm) have been overblown. Like many of the team's other pitchers during their World Series run last October, Kopech was "grinding" through a forearm issue. "I don't think there's anything of concern at this point," Gomes said. A report surfaced last week that indicated there was a chance the hard-throwing right-hander might have to miss the first month of the 2025 regular season due to right-forearm inflammation. It's something to watch for the 28-year-old with spring training right around the corner, but our guess is the Blue will take it easy on him in camp, especially since he won't need many innings to get ready for the season in a full-time relief role. L.A. signed lefty Tanner Scott and righty Kirby Yates as insurance. When healthy, Kopech has one of the most dominant fastballs in the game, and he should be a great source of K's and holds when healthy.
Source: Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
Source: Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
Michael Kopech Could Miss First Month Of The Season
2 months agoUSA TODAY's Bob Nightengale reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers have added more bullpen depth with left-hander Tanner Scott and right-hander Kirby Yates in recent days with right-hander Michael Kopech (undisclosed) expected to possibly miss the first month of the regular season. At this time, it's unknown what type of ailment Kopech is dealing with, but the hard-throwing 28-year-old probably won't pitch in spring training. Stay tuned for more details on his injury. If he's not ready for Opening Day, expect Scott to serve as LA's primary closer, with Yates and Evan Phillips working in high-leverage setup roles for the defending World Series champions. Kopech leaned more on his elite fastball in 2024 to excellent results, posting a league-best 34% whiff rate on his four-seamer. He had 15 saves, 10 holds and six wins with LA and the White Sox, but his injury will drop his fantasy appeal heading into the 2025 season.
Source: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
Source: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
Michael Kopech, Dodgers Avoid Salary Arbitration
2 months agoRight-handed reliever Michael Kopech and the Los Angeles Dodgers avoided salary arbitration on Thursday by agreeing to a one-year, $5.2 million deal for 2025. Kopech began last season as the closer for the Chicago White Sox and struggled with a 4.74 ERA and 1.35 WHIP with nine saves, 59 strikeouts and 24 walks in 43 2/3 innings before he was traded to the Dodgers at the trade deadline. The hard-throwing 28-year-old turned things around when he got to LA and helped the team win the World Series in the fall. In his 24 appearances out of the bullpen for the Blue in the regular season, Kopech had a pristine 1.13 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, six saves, 29 strikeouts and 10 walks in 24 innings. With his full-time move to a relief role in 2024, Kopech's velocity predictably went up and he induced whiffs 34% of the time on his heater. Walks can be an issue, but he'll once again be in the mix for saves in 2025 on the best team in baseball.
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman