The Los Angeles Dodgers could use some good news on the injury front right now. It appears that some may be on the horizon, as right-hander reliever Michael Kopech will make his first rehab appearance tonight at Triple-A Oklahoma City tonight, according to David Vassegh of SportsNet. Kopech has been on the injured list since spring training with a shoulder impingement.
Michael Kopech is pitching his first rehab game today for Triple-A OKC. Kopech is the Comets opener. #Dodgers
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) May 8, 2025
Michael Kopech to Make Triple-A Rehab Start
The M.A.S.H. Unit
The Dodgers vowed that they would try to find an answer to the pitching injuries in the offseason. However, Los Angeles has 15 arms on the IL, with Evan Phillips being sidelined with forearm soreness just yesterday. It seems history is repeating itself. As a result, the Dodgers bullpen has logged more innings than any other team in the major leagues. Between injuries and the starting rotation failing to go deep in games, the bullpen is carrying a heavy load. It seems like this pattern is unsustainable if Los Angeles wants to go deep in October.
The Steal of the Deadline
Kopech came to the Dodgers via the Chicago White Sox last year. The right-hander quickly climbed manager Dave Roberts‘ “trust tree.” Kopech posted a 1.13 ERA during the regular season. As a result, the fireballer became the closer for the remainder of the season. In the postseason, Kopech was a little less effective due to arm fatigue. Coming into spring training, Roberts said, Kopech “was a little behind schedule,” but didn’t disclose the details.
Imminent Return?
The right-hander was recently placed on the 60-day IL and removed from the 40-man roster. He will be eligible to return in the middle of this month. The rehab assignment is expected to last at least two weeks, if all goes according to plan. Needless to say, the Dodgers’ depth has been tested early and often this season, and they are ready for some reinforcements. Fresh arms can’t come soon enough.
Photo Credit: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
