Despite a few key bullpen arms, including Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, and Brusdar Graterol, starting the season on the Injured List, the Los Angeles Dodgers have opened the 2025 MLB season with a perfect 4-0 record and appear as dominant as ever.
The team has faced numerous challenges during the offseason, including illnesses, injuries, and personal matters. Kopech is working through these setbacks in hopes of returning to the mound and performing at the level he did in 2024.
After being traded to the Dodgers by the Chicago White Sox at the deadline, Kopech had a breakout performance with Los Angeles, posting a 1.13 ERA over 24 innings in 24 games and earning six saves. Heading into spring training, Kopech was dealing with a shoulder and forearm injury, and then missed additional time due to a stomach virus, according to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya.
Although he didn’t pitch during spring training or travel with the team for the 2025 Tokyo Series, Kopech was a crucial part of the Dodgers’ dominant bullpen during the 2024 playoffs, throwing 3 1/3 scoreless innings against the San Diego Padres in the NLDS. The 28-year-old hard-throwing pitcher has been a great addition to Los Angeles, and fans are hoping for his return sooner rather than later.
Despite Kopech and Phillips being sidelined, the Dodgers’ bullpen remains stacked with All-Stars like Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, while also receiving strong performances from Alex Vesia and Ben Casparius.
