The Los Angeles Dodgers have a trio of key relief pitchers currently on the injured list that can provide a boost to the bullpen down the stretch of the season and into the playoffs.
Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates have not been at their best this year, but the Dodgers have more to gain from them being healthy options in the bullpen. Michael Kopech has only pitched seven innings this season, but he has been effective, if a little erratic at times.
Scott has been on the IL since July 22, Yates retroactive to July 29, and Kopech retroactive to June 28. Each of the three are going through a rehab process that took another step forward on Friday.
“They both threw ‘pens today, along with Kopech. Very good stuff,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Dodgers updates
Tanner Scott
Scott has been dealing with left elbow inflammation since exiting the game on July 21, and it’s the first time in his career he has ever dealt with an arm issue. Just over a week later he resumed throwing and the Dodgers have been encouraged by his progress.
Roberts expects the left-hander to return on a similar but slightly accelerated timeline to that of Kopech.
“If you’re talking about time of return, Kopey is probably at the end of the month when he’s eligible to come off the 60,” Roberts said. “And then Tanner is going to be right around that time as well, is my assumption. Maybe a little bit before that.
“And then Kirby probably before. Kirby looked good, the split was good. And Tanner looks great, feels great, and he’s getting really antsy.”
Kirby Yates
Yates is on the IL for the second time this season, with his first coming on May 18 due to a right hamstring strain. Roberts believes there is a chance the two injuries are correlated.
The official injury designation for Yates is lower back pain, but the Dodgers have still not been able to identity what exactly was the root of the issue despite their best efforts.
“Not in any pain or discomfort. It’s more of the hips. I think the cortisone shots helped,” Roberts said. “Back was ruled out, but it’s still something that we all don’t really know. But he feels pretty good.”
That hasn’t affected his recovery, and Roberts said Yates is the closest of the three relievers to facing batters and is expected to be the first to return to the active roster.
Michael Kopech
Kopech has had trouble getting on the field this season. He had a right shoulder injury that carried over from the postseason last year, which kept him on the IL to start 2025.
Kopech’s latest injury required surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, but he has recovered quicker than the Dodgers expected.
“He did, which is a good thing. Going through the surgery was very minimal, cleaned some things up. Michael said he was ready the next day,” Roberts said.
“I think at the end of the day we’re in a good spot with him and we’re going to push him once we get through September, October, and all that stuff.
“I like players wanting for more. When you have that, you get the best out of the player. Michael is in that place right now.”
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!
