As the Los Angeles Dodgers look to navigate a shortage of high-leverage right-handed relief pitchers due to injury, Michael Kopech is set to resume his rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Kopech started a rehab assignment with the Comets on May 8. He also pitched for the Dodgers’ top Minor League affiliate on May 11 and 14, but not since then. However, the somewhat extended absence is not due to any sort of setback.
“He threw a ‘pen today,” manager Dave Roberts said on Sunday. “I think he’s supposed to be pitching in a game on Tuesday.”
Kopech’s first appearance for Oklahoma City left plenty to be desired as he walked all five batters faced and was charged for five runs. Roberts acknowledged there was certainly room for improvement but found solace in that Kopech’s struggles were not health-related.
He bounced back with two strikeouts in a scoreless inning during a second game for Oklahoma City, which was a normal relief appearance rather than starting as an opener. Kopech pitched out of the bullpen again last week, but recorded just two outs as he gave up three runs on two hits, including a homer.
When will Michael Kopech return?
The 29-year-old is working his way back from right shoulder impingement, the same injury Roki Sasaki is recovering from as well. Kopech also dealt with right forearm inflammation during the 2024 postseason that carried into the winter.
He didn’t pitch during Spring Training and began the season on the 15-day injured list. Kopech was then transferred to the 60-day IL on May 1.
That was largely a byproduct of the Dodgers needing to free up room on their 40-man roster at the time. It did mean Kopech was not eligible to be activated until May 17 — like Clayton Kershaw — but that was a moot point as his rehab process wasn’t going to allow for that anyhow.
Roberts estimated Kopech needs to make at least three more appearances on his rehab assignment before possibly joining the Dodgers.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
