Despite the attrition and adversity the Los Angeles Dodgers have faced this season, manager Dave Roberts has once again steered his club to the top of the National League. Heading into the series finale against the New York Mets, the Dodgers hold a narrow one-game lead over the surging San Diego Padres. Now, as the team prepares for a critical weekend matchup against a resurgent St. Louis Cardinals squad, Roberts is poised to welcome some much-needed reinforcements to his bullpen: veteran relievers Kirby Yates and Michael Kopech.
2 Dodgers relievers will return from IL against the Cardinals
Yates, sidelined since May 17 with a hamstring injury, and Kopech, who has yet to pitch this season due to a shoulder issue, are both expected to be activated ahead of the Cardinals series. The two relievers threw live batting practice sessions earlier this week and came out of them feeling good. Roberts confirmed that both are likely to be available this weekend, signaling a major boost to a bullpen that’s been stretched thin by injuries and inconsistent performances.
Yates, a 2024 All-Star, has had an uneven 2025 campaign so far, posting a 4.34 ERA over 22 appearances prior to landing on the injured list. Yet, his return could not come at a better time. With closer Tanner Scott currently leading the majors in blown saves, Yates—who saved 33 games last season with the Texas Rangers—offers Roberts a proven alternative in high-leverage situations.
Kopech’s situation is more complex. The hard-throwing righty has struggled mightily in his rehab stint with Triple-A Oklahoma City, surrendering 11 runs and 11 walks in just 6.1 innings. Still, the Dodgers believe that the quality of Kopech’s raw stuff justifies his activation. Roberts hinted that a return to the major league environment—where the coaching staff can more directly influence mechanics and mentality—might be just what Kopech needs to turn a corner.
“With Michael, the line wasn’t great, but the stuff was,” Roberts said. “Being back with the big league club and around our staff could help clean some things up. That focus and feedback can make all the difference.”
The Dodgers’ urgency to reinforce the bullpen has been amplified by the season-ending loss of setup man Evan Phillips, who recently underwent Tommy John surgery. In response, Los Angeles has already traded for relievers Alexis Díaz and José Ureña, but Yates and Kopech represent critical internal reinforcements as the team embarks on a stretch of 10 games in 14 days against NL West opponents.
Roberts’ ability to manage an injury-riddled pitching staff has been quietly outstanding. The return of two seasoned arms gives the Dodgers more depth and flexibility as they look to protect their slim division lead. The importance of this weekend’s series in St. Louis—against a surprisingly competitive Cardinals team—can’t be overstated.
Add to that the potential return of outfielder James Outman, and the Dodgers are suddenly looking a bit healthier and a lot more dangerous.
Even with stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman leading the offense, the Dodgers’ fate will likely hinge on the bullpen’s ability to hold late leads in tight divisional games. With Yates and Kopech back in the mix, Roberts finally has more tools at his disposal—and just in time.