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Dave Roberts: Michael Kopech ‘High Up’ On Dodgers Bullpen ‘Trust Tree’

Blake Williams
3 Min Read
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 31: Michael Kopech #45 of the Los Angeles Dodgers delivers a pitch in the fifth inning during a game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on July 31, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Dodgers addressed their bullpen prior to the trade deadline with the addition of a struggling reliever in Michael Kopech.

Despite Kopech’s talent level as a former top prospect, he had posted a 4.74 ERA in 43.2 innings, and his career numbers were not much more encouraging.

But since joining the Dodgers, Kopech has been nearly unhittable. He has now thrown 6.1 scoreless innings for the club, giving up just one hit while striking out 10 and only walking one.

His dominance has earned him more high-leverage opportunities and the trust of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

“It’s just real top-end stuff,” Roberts said. “It doesn’t matter left or right-hand, he’s just such a beast.

“We got him throwing that cutter going along with a 100 mph fastball, it’s an uncomfortable at-bat. The strike-throwing, he’s already all-in, bought in.

“So he’s definitely high up the trust tree right now, for sure.”

When the Dodgers acquired Kopech, they believed in his upside and saw some changes he made that would lead to consistent success. Even when he struggled, Kopech also had elite strikeout rates that made it easy to see the potential was there.

But he’s had problems with his command and the home run ball throughout his career, which has limited his success. With the Dodgers, both those problems have disappeared thus far.

It’s still a small sample, but Kopech is making a case for himself being a valuable member of the Dodgers bullpen.

Could Michael Kopech take over as Dodgers closer?

The way things are trending, Kopech seems to be a strong option to cement himself as the Dodgers top reliever. That could eventually put him in live to receive save opportunities, and potentially as their primary closer.

However, they may also see value in keeping Kopech in a fireman role so he can pitch at the biggest moments of the game, rather than saving him for the ninth inning.

But perhaps the most likely option is they continue to utilize a closer by committee with Kopech, Evan Phillips, Daniel Hudson, Blake Treinen and Alex Vesia among those getting chances.

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Blake Williams is a journalist from Reseda, Calif., who is currently the Managing Editor for Dodger Blue. He previously worked as a Managing Editor for Angels Nation, as a staff writer at Dodgers Nation, as the Managing Editor and Sports Editor for the Roundup News at L.A. Pierce College, and as an Opinion Editor for the Daily Sundial at California State University, Northridge. Blake graduated Cum Laude from CSUN with a major in journalism and a minor in photography/video. He is now pursuing his master's degree from the University of Alabama. Blake is also always open to talk Star Wars with you. Contact: Blake@mediumlargela.com