While all of the focus has been on Los Angeles Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw, as it should be, manager Dave Roberts had to make another unfortunate transaction as the team prepares for the playoffs.
Reliever Michael Kopech was put on the injured list with lingering physical issues, ending his regular season.
Michael Kopech is going on the IL, Dave Roberts said. Of the issues bothering Kopech physically, Roberts said, “there’s a few of them.”
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) September 19, 2025
Dodgers Reliever Michael Kopech Put On IL
Kopech was a star for the Dodgers’ World Series run last season, but has struggled this year to stay healthy, and he has lacked command when he has been on the mound.
In speaking to the media on Friday, Roberts said, “He’s going through some things physically. Certainly it’s pitchable. Those are his words.”
Right-handed pitcher Will Klein is being recalled from Triple-A to fill the open spot.
Roberts spoke about Kopech’s struggles and his hope that he would get back to form.
“I love Kopey. I know he’s doing everything he can. But it’s just for me, it’s, you’ve got to win games. You’ve got to give your defense a chance to make plays. The strike throwing has just been difficult and inconsistent. That’s a hard question, I think right now. Right where we’re at, guys have got to – we’ve seen enough of a sample of guys that we’ve got to go with the most trusted guys right now. That’s kind of where my head’s at.”
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Roki Sasaki is the player to watch right now. He has had multiple rehab outings with Triple-A Oklahoma City, so it will be up to Dave Roberts to call him up before the playoffs begin.
Brock Stewart, the reliever the team traded for at the trade deadline, is another potential option to join the roster as the Dodgers attempt to make another run in October.
Michael Kopech’s regular season is done, but he could still get added to the playoff roster. But based on Robert’s comments, that feels like a long shot.