URGENT UPDATE: Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Michael Kopech has been placed on the injured list, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming postseason. The 29-year-old right-hander’s status is precarious as he has spent more time sidelined than on the active roster this season.
Kopech’s latest setback follows his return to the team on September 1 after undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee. In his last four appearances, he has struggled significantly, walking eight batters over just 2 2/3 innings.
“He’s going through some things physically,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated on Friday. “What we’ve seen hasn’t been consistent, and it’s just not the Kopech, the standard, that he is as a pitcher.” This admission highlights the urgency of Kopech’s situation, especially with postseason aspirations on the line.
Kopech initially began the season on the IL due to a shoulder injury and made a limited return in early June, appearing in just eight games before the knee issue forced him back to the sidelines. He currently holds a 2.45 ERA across 11 innings, with a concerning statistic of 13 walks and 12 strikeouts.
Roberts emphasized the need for a “reset” for Kopech, stating, “We’ll try to kind of reset him and keep him alive for potentially the postseason.” This strategic approach underscores the urgency with which the Dodgers must manage their roster as the playoffs approach.
In a corresponding move, the Dodgers have recalled right-hander Will Klein from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill the gap left by Kopech’s absence. With the postseason looming, every decision is critical for the Dodgers as they navigate potential roster adjustments.
As the team prepares for the final stretch of the regular season, fans are left on edge about Kopech’s future and the impact on the Dodgers’ chances for a deep playoff run. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation as we approach the postseason.
