Dodgers News: Michael Kopech Making First Rehab Appearance Today with the OKC Comets
OKLAHOMA CITY— While the Los Angeles Dodgers lost one bullpen arm during their three-game series against the Miami Marlins in Evan Phillips, they’re expected to have another one start his minor league rehab assignment today with the Triple-A OKC Comets as right-handed relief pitcher Michael Kopech is scheduled to open tonight’s game per Dodgers insider David Vassegh.
Kopech, 29, was acquired at last year’s trade deadline in a three-team trade between the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers, a deal that also brought over utilityman Tommy Edman.
Kopech was a former starting pitcher, but last season was the first season in which the righty transitioned to the bullpen, a decision that has likely saved his career.
The arrival of Kopech solidified the Dodgers’ bullpen’s backend, and the former first-round draft pick was electric with Los Angeles posting a 1.13 ERA and collected twenty-nine strikeouts in twenty-four appearances.
Kopech was also a significant arm the Dodgers relied on during October, appearing in ten postseason games, allowing just three runs in nine innings pitched.
Following the 2024 season, Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports reported that Kopech’s season would be delayed due to an undisclosed injury.
Those reports would become true as the righty would miss all of spring training and be placed on the 15-day injured list to start the regular season with a right shoulder impingement, which has been a problem for him throughout the season. He initially started the season on the injured list with right forearm inflammation.
Last week, the Dodgers transferred Kopech to the 60-day injured list to make room for J.P. Feyereisen on the 40-man roster.
Over the last several weeks, Kopech has been ramping up his throwing program, including bullpen sessions and possibly facing live batters. Still, he’ll make his first significant step toward his return tonight.
Kopech is ineligible to be activated off the 60-day injured list until May 18th, and if all goes well, it would not be out of the realm to see Kopech return in late May or early June.
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
