Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Dodgers Believe Michael Kopech Is Trending Up Due To Changes With Pitch Usage
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers Believe Michael Kopech Is Trending Up Due To Changes With Pitch Usage

Blake Williams
August 4, 2024
4 Min Read
Michael Kopech
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)
SHARE

The Los Angeles Dodgers made multiple trades before the deadline, one of which brought in Michael Kopech from the Chicago White Sox to help their bullpen.

After acquiring Kopech, the Dodgers remained connected to former Miami Marlins closer Tanner Scott, who was later traded to the Padres. In addition, Jhoan Duran of the Minnesota Twins and Mason Miller of the Oakland Athletics were also arms they checked in on.

However, after adding Kopech to their group, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said they switched their focus to other areas, rather than looking to continue improving their bullpen. They went on to add Jack Flaherty, Amed Rosario and Kevin Kiermaier ahead of the deadline, along with Tommy Edman as part of the Kopech deal.

“Once we get Kopech, we felt really good with our group,” Gomes said. “We felt like we have a deep group, never mind the guys that are on the IL ight now, but we continue to stay in touch with teams and kind of see what was out there.

“The conversations are endless, seemingly, during the deadline, and what actually comes to fruition is a different story.”

So far, the results for Kopech have not been ideal this season, or during his career. The right-hander has thrown 43.2 innings with a 4.74 ERA, 3.90 xERA and 4.82 FIP as his walk rate is in the seventh percentile of pitchers at 12.6%.

But despite his stats thus far, the Dodgers feel he can benefit from the Dodgers’ defense, along with some changes Kopech has already been making.

“We have a very good defense, but also I think some usage stuff with Michael, which he actually already started to do over the last five games or so,” Gomes said.

“But it’s one of the best fastballs in the game out of the ‘pen. And then you start to mix in some secondary there, it’s going to make everything play up.”

Kopech relies on a fastball, cutter and slider and uses them to produce elite whiff rates, ranking in the 86th percentile of pitchers with a 30.6% rate. He has struck out just shy of 31% of hitters, putting him in the 92nd percentile.

His fastball ranks at an elite mark with a 153 stuff+ grade, and his slider is also a very strong pitch with a 116 stuff+ grade.

Michael Kopech open to any role with Dodgers

With that ability, it’s easy to see Kopech becoming a high-leverage arm for the Dodgers, as long as he keeps trending up.

But for the meantime, he’s open to any role to help the club.

“I just talked to Michael Kopech, he’s really excited about being here and basically said, ‘Whatever role we have for him,”” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s excited to do whatever we ask.”

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!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Los Angeles DodgersMichael Kopech
ByBlake Williams
Follow:
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
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Freddie Freeman, 2024 World Series
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers News: Freddie Freeman Named 2024 World Series MVP

October 30, 2024
October 30, 2024
Dodgers News

Dodgers Recall Rocky Gale From Triple-A Oklahoma City After Trading Travis d’Arnaud To Rays

May 10, 2019
May 10, 2019
World Series trophy
Dodgers NewsFeatured

World Series Streak Involving Dodgers And Astros Snapped By Diamondbacks, Rangers

October 25, 2023
October 25, 2023
Corbin Burnes
FeaturedRumors

Dodgers Rumors Trade: Corbin Burnes, Dylan Cease & Tyler Glasnow Part Of Search For Starting Pitchers

November 16, 2023
November 16, 2023

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어