The Los Angeles Dodgers have recently bolstered their bullpen with the acquisitions of left-handed reliever Tanner Scott and right-handed reliever Kirby Yates.
The signing of Yates, which is nearing finalization, may come as a surprise to some observers, given the Dodgers’ apparent bullpen depth heading into the new season.
Los Angeles Dodgers Injury News Led To Padding Bullpen
However, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, who broke the news of the deal, shed light on the team’s rationale. Nightengale reported that Michael Kopech, a key acquisition at last year’s trade deadline, is currently dealing with an injury that could potentially sideline him for the first month of the season.
This unforeseen circumstance likely influenced the Dodgers’ decision to further strengthen their bullpen depth by adding veteran reliever Kirby Yates.
Also Read: Los Angeles Dodgers Also Signing Emergency Option Pitcher: Latest Los Angeles Dodgers Injury News Reveals Reason For Recent Aggressive MovesNightengale has now provided more information on the injury.
“There is no structural damage with Kopech’s forearm, just inflammation, so the Dodgers plan to be cautious with him at the season’s outset,” Nightengale reported.
Kopech, who joined the Dodgers via a three-team trade last season after posting a 4.74 ERA with the Chicago White Sox, emerged as arguably the team’s most dominant reliever during the latter half of the season.
Kopech delivered a stellar performance in his Dodgers debut, recording a 1.13 ERA across 24 regular season appearances, striking out 29 batters, and notching six saves. His dominance extended into the postseason, where he made 10 appearances, pitching nine innings while allowing three earned runs and striking out 10 batters.
However, Kopech’s recent injury news has significantly impacted the team’s bullpen depth. With his potential absence for the start of the season, the acquisition of Kirby Yates becomes even more crucial.
Yates, a two-time All-Star with a career 3.17 ERA across 422 games, delivered a dominant performance for the Texas Rangers last season, posting a 1.17 ERA across 61 appearances.