While the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen figures to be a strength of the team this season, that is not to say the group will go without some bumps along the way.
Those began during the offseason with Brusdar Graterol undergoing right shoulder surgery and last month it was reported Michael Kopech is dealing with a right forearm inflammation that surfaced during the 2024 postseason.
Meanwhile, Evan Phillips revealed he suffered a tear in his right rotator cuff during the playoffs. He was left off the Dodgers’ roster for the World Series because of an injury at the time was deemed to be right arm and shoulder fatigue, along with some nerve irritation.
According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, Phillips unsurprisingly is not on track for Opening Day and Dodgers manager also revealed there’s some uncertainty with Kopech as well:
Dave Roberts also said Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech are both “a little behind schedule,” but it’s too early to tell whether either would have to start the season on the IL.
Dodgers will have the benefit of expanded rosters in Tokyo.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 12, 2025
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes previously downplayed the notion that Kopech was limited by injury when asked by DodgerBlue.com.
“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 said after Roki Sasaki’s introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium.
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.
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 across 24 appearances for the Dodgers.
He followed that by going 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA and 10 strikeouts over nine innings pitched in 10 games (one start) during the postseason.
Michael Kopech, Dodgers avoid arbitration
Kopech was among several Dodgers who were eligible for arbitration this year. Like each of the team’s other cases, Kopech agreed to a new contract without going to an arbitration hearing.
Kopech and the Dodgers settled on a one-year, $5.2 million contract for the 2025 season. Kopech’s salary matches the projection MLB Trade Rumors made for his final year of arbitration.
The right-hander is due to become a free agent after the 2025 season.
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