The Los Angeles Dodgers have spent much of the 2025 season operating with a depleted pitching staff, navigating injuries through constant roster churn and minor league call-ups. But reinforcements may finally be on the horizon.
Relievers Kirby Yates and Michael Kopech are both trending toward activation, possibly as early as this weekend. Each threw live batting practice sessions on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium, and the club is optimistic both could return to the bullpen mix in the coming days, according to Fabian Ardaya.
Kirby Yates Nearing Return From Hamstring Strain
Yates, sidelined since May 18 with a Grade 1 right hamstring strain, has progressed smoothly in his recovery. After throwing a bullpen session on Monday, he faced live hitters Wednesday. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that if everything checks out, Yates could be activated over the weekend.
“Kirby had a good ‘pen, and if the live session goes well, there’s a potential for activation this weekend,” Roberts said.
Yates, who has posted a 2.93 ERA in 22 appearances this season, has been a steady presence in the bullpen. His return would be a welcome boost for a relief corps that’s been stretched thin in recent weeks.
Michael Kopech’s Rehab Results Mixed, But Dodgers Remain Confident
Kopech’s situation is more nuanced. While the hard-throwing right-hander has now logged nine rehab outings with Triple-A Oklahoma City—including a recent scoreless frame—his overall numbers have been rocky. In 6.1 innings, Kopech has allowed 11 earned runs and walked more batters than he’s struck out.
Despite the struggles, the Dodgers remain encouraged by his physical tools and experience.
“The results haven’t been great,” Roberts admitted. “But this is a guy with a lot of service time. The stuff is still good, and we think the focus and command will sharpen once he’s back in a Major League environment.”
Kopech’s rehab has served more as a tune-up than a full return to form. After injuring himself early in Spring Training, he hadn’t pitched in a competitive setting since last October. Roberts emphasized that Kopech is a “stuff over command” pitcher, and the goal during his rehab has been to rebuild velocity and sequencing—not fine-tune control.
“He’s not really a command guy,” Roberts said. “We’re more focused on getting the fastball built up and making sure the velocity is there. So if we decide to activate him, we’re comfortable with where he’s at.”
Kopech pitched in back-to-back games on May 28 and 29 and is scheduled for another outing with Triple-A this Sunday, which could be the final hurdle before he rejoins the big-league club.
Bullpen Relief Arrives at a Crucial Time
With several starters still sidelined—Roki Sasaki remains in the early stages of his rehab, Blake Snell is nearing a bullpen session, and Tyler Glasnow has hit a setback—the Dodgers have had little choice but to patch together innings. In response, the front office has stayed aggressive, acquiring right-hander Alexis Díaz, along with Will Klein and José Ureña, to add depth.
If Yates and Kopech can return healthy and effective, the Dodgers could finally stabilize a bullpen that has been forced into survival mode. And with the season nearing its midpoint, that relief couldn’t come at a better time.