Los Angeles reliever Michael Kopeck began his rehabilitation assignment with Triple A Oklahoma City on Thursday.
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Nonetheless, Kopech’s 23-pitch outing was not ideal as he walked all five batters he faced. He threw only three strikes and touched up to 98 mph.
Kopech began the season with a list injured with inflammation in his right forearm after pitching what he called 60% health until October. He suffered multiple setbacks in his recovery this spring, but while his rehabilitation assignments aren’t picturesque, Kopech should soon be back in the bullpen.
The won Kopek at last year’s trading deadline through three teams trading last year, and he soon emerged as a star reliever in LA, with the right-handed star scoring a 1.13 ERA in 24 appearances.
In the postseason, Kopech made 10 appearances with a 3.00 ERA and 10 strikeouts.
The right-hander is working on adding a third pitch to his weapon.
“I’m working on mixing potentially on the third pitch,” Kopech said. “We don’t know what it is and what it is. Last year I was happy with the fastball and cutter combination, but if there’s something I can take to the mound, shortening the bat at the end of last year can help me.
Kopech is in Illinois for 60 days and is not eligible to be initially activated until May 17th. However, he is likely to get 6-7 rehab before returning, so it appears to be a few weeks ahead.
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Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA Today Sports
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