The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Michael Kopech on the 15-day injured list with an official designation of right shoulder impingement.
Kopech was among nine players — all pitchers — the Dodgers put on the IL as part of setting their Opening Day roster for the Tokyo Series.
The Dodgers injured list also includes Tony Gonsolin (15-day, back tightness), Brusdar Graterol (60-day, right shoulder surgery), Michael Grove (60-day, right shoulder surgery), Edgardo Henriquez (15-day, left foot fracture), Kyle Hurt (15-day, right elbow surgery), Clayton Kershaw (15-day, left toe surgery), Evan Phillips (15-day, right rotator cuff strain) and Emmett Sheehan (15-day, right elbow surgery).
Kopech reported to Spring Training behind schedule because of lingering effects from right forearm inflammation that surfaced during the 2024 postseason.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes initially downplayed concern over Kopech’s outlook when asked about his status in January.
“He’s throwing and playing catch. We’re going to see how he progresses. I don’t think there’s anything of concern at this point,” Gomes told DodgerBlue.com.
Gomes then offered a vague response when asked if Kopech dealt with the right arm issue during the postseason.
“I mean, no more than anybody else that was grinding through things,” he said.
Kopech did not begin throwing off a mound until late February, at which point it was clear he wouldn’t be in the bullpen on Opening Day.
When discussing his injury earlier this month, Kopech indicated he was only around 60% healthy.
After being acquired as part of a three-team trade with the Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals, Kopech went 4-0 with six saves, a 1.13 ERA, 2.54 FIP and 0.79 WHIP in 24 appearances for the Dodgers last season.
He followed that by going 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA and 10 strikeouts across nine innings in 10 games (one start) during the playoffs.
New Michael Kopech injury?
Up until officially putting Kopech on the injured list, all indications had been he was dealing with a forearm issue. The right shoulder impingement seemingly is a different injury and could be greater cause for concern moving forward.
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