The Los Angeles Dodgers‘ injury-riddled pitching staff took another hit this week, as the team placed right-handed reliever Michael Kopech on the 15-day injured list due to right knee inflammation. The move is retroactive to June 28, making July 13 the earliest possible return date for the 29-year-old.
Kopech, who had just returned from a right shoulder impingement earlier this month, was in the middle of a stellar run. In eight appearances since being activated on June 7, he had thrown seven scoreless innings, striking out eight while allowing just four walks. His performance was a bright spot in a bullpen plagued by injuries, as he became the 12th Dodgers pitcher to hit the IL this season.
Michael Kopech Injury: Los Angeles Dodgers Place RHP on IL, Recall Will Klein Amid Ongoing Pitching Woes
Despite the setback, Kopech and the team are optimistic. The injury has been described as precautionary, with scans revealing only inflammation. According to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, Kopech and the team are optimistic. The injury has been described as precautionary, with scans revealing only inflammation. Adding, the primary concern for Kopech and the Dodgers was he would compensate with the issue on his drive leg and cause further issues, especially with his arm.
Acquired at last season’s trade deadline from the Chicago White Sox, Kopech has become a valuable arm for Los Angeles. In 32 appearances with the Dodgers, he’s posted a 0.87 ERA. Over his six-year MLB career, Kopech has amassed 453 strikeouts in 407 innings, holding opposing hitters to a .216 average.
In a corresponding move, the Dodgers recalled right-hander Will Klein from Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 25-year-old has made two appearances with the big-league club this season, tossing 3.2 scoreless innings with five strikeouts and just one walk. Klein, acquired from the Mariners in early June, made his MLB debut earlier this year and will now look to carve out a role in a depleted Dodgers bullpen.
As the Dodgers push through a grueling summer stretch, Kopech’s absence is yet another challenge for a team clinging to first place—and hoping to stay healthy long enough to contend in October.