Los Angeles right-handed Michael Kopeck is expected to return within a week, according to manager Dave Roberts.
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“Hope is hopeful that we can get him back this week,” Roberts said.
Kopech made his ninth appearance at Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday. He faced four batters in the scoreless innings, where he allowed a walk and hit one.
The right-hander has a 15.63 ERA and walks 11 times over 10 strikeouts and 6.1 innings. Kopech’s statistics are not ideal, but his speed looks promising when he touched 101 mph on Sunday.
Kopech has become a staple in the bullpen from the beginning of his tenure with the team. Right-handed and Tommy Edman were acquired through a three-team trade with the Chicago White Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Kopech had an immediate impact on LA, producing a 1.13 ERA in 24 appearances last season. In the postseason, Kopech made 10 appearances with a 3.00 ERA and 10 strikeouts.
The right-hander revealed he was playing at 60% health in October, but was pushed to help the bullpen.
The are desperate to reinforce the bullpen as several key saviors are on the sidelines due to injuries and are the latest Louis Garcia. A few days before Garcia’s injured liststint was announced, Roberts revealed that Evan Phillips would undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the rest of 2025 season.
Kopech’s return is refreshing for the pitching staff, with a total of 15 pitchers in IL by the season.
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Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Immagn Image
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