The Los Angeles Dodgers have been limping through the months of May and June with 15 pitchers on the injury list. Somehow, they have still managed to remain in first place in the NL West, but that is not going to be sustainable if they cannot stay healthy.
Today, they are getting some huge relief ahead of their game with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Both Michael Kopech and Kirby Yates have been activated off the IL and are available for tonight’s game.
Michael Kopech and Kirby Yates are both active off the IL for today’s game.#Dodgers #Cardinals
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) June 7, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers Activate Michael Kopech And Kirby Yates Off IL
Kopech, who has been on the 60-Day IL, has not pitched yet this season. The last game he pitched in was in last year’s World Series, where he pitched a scoreless inning in the Dodgers’ 7-6 victory over the New York Yankees on October 30th.
Yates was acquired this offseason and has had an up-and-down start to his Dodgers career. His last game was a brutal one. On May 17th, he made it through a third of an inning and gave up 3 runs in an eventual 11-9 loss to the Angels.
On the season, Yates has a 4.34 ERA with 31 strikeouts. Last season with the Texas Rangers, he finished with a 1.17 ERA. The Dodgers hope that after his stint in the IL, he can return to that form.
Having both pitchers available will be a huge relief to a bullpen that has thrown the most innings in the MLB.
However, with how the season has gone, it is not all good news. Starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin has now been put on the IL with right elbow discomfort.
The Dodgers put Tony Gonsolin on the IL with right elbow discomfort.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) June 7, 2025
Today’s game against the Cardinals is set to start at 11:15 AM PT with Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound.