The Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen is among those in Major League Baseball with the highest usage, seeing a number of arms feel the effects of a large workload.
Their most consistent options have seen some regression, with a handful of them spending time on the injured list for varying issues. At the trade deadline, the Dodgers acquired one of the most intriguing relief options available in Michael Kopech.
Since joining the Dodgers, Kopech has expanded that intrigue, tallying seven straight scoreless appearances. In 7.1 innings, the right-hander has faced 24 batters, allowing just two to reach base while striking out 11.
Because the Dodgers have some uncertainty with the closer role as it currently stands, Kopech and his overpowering stuff have become a hot name for that role. Manager Dave Roberts hasn’t alluded to a commitment in that direction, but he has left the door open for the conversation, per Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times:
“We’ll see,” Roberts said. “We’ve got time.”
When called upon against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, Kopech was brought in to face the heart of their order. Shutting them down in order on 15 pitches, the 28-year-old used his upper-90s four-seam fastball at an 80 percent clip to keep the game where it stood.
On the season, Kopech has a 4.06 ERA, 4.23 FIP, 1.20 WHIP, but dating back to July 8th while he was still with the Chicago White Sox, he hasn’t allowed a run with just two hits allowed and a 19:2 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Should the Dodgers hand the closer role to Michael Kopech?
Looking at Evan Phillips’ struggles this season, and his issues getting left-handed hitters out, the Dodgers aren’t in a position to anoint him the full-time closer without discussion.
Kopech, on the other hand, has the devastating stuff to get both left, and right-handed hitters out. While he’s in a Dodgers uniform, and for next season, he’s in a special spot to become one of the most dominant relievers in MLB.
Closer-by-committee is a good concept, and can work when all options are on the same page, but to Roberts’ credit, even he has said that a singular guy in the final frame makes the road map a lot easier.
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