Latest news with #MichaelKopech
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Dodgers' Dave Roberts Shares Encouraging Michael Kopech Update
Dodgers' Dave Roberts Shares Encouraging Michael Kopech Update originally appeared on Athlon Sports. On Tuesday, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts issued an encouraging update on reliever Michael Kopech. He had this to say: Advertisement 'The hope is, if it goes well, that we'll get him back sometime this week.' Before we rush to the conclusion that Kopech will be back this week, let's first note that Roberts said, 'If it goes well.' Nonetheless, getting a pitcher back from the IL sometime soon is a positive development. The Dodgers currently have 14 pitchers on the injured list, including Kopech. The 29-year-old right-handed flamethrower fell on the IL in spring training with shoulder and forearm injuries and is yet to throw a pitch for the team this year. Kopech pitched to a 3.46 ERA with 88 strikeouts and an opponent batting average of .188 in 67.2 innings last season. In nine relief appearances with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets during his rehab stint, Kopech surrendered 11 earned runs in just 6.1 innings, allowing 11 walks and eight hits. Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Michael Kopech (45) reacts during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees in game four of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Brad Penner-Imagn Images Kopech's performance during his brief rehab stint isn't an auspicious sign when it comes to improving the Dodgers' shattered pitching staff, but when at his best, Kopech can be a real difference-maker. Advertisement In 2024, his fastball was an elite pitch, averaging 98.7 mph, according to Baseball Savant, and often reaching speeds of over 100 mph. If he can find his form, this would provide a massive boost to the Dodgers' relief corps. The Dodgers' bullpen has a cumulative ERA of 3.99. The injuries to Kopech, Brusdar Graterol, Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, Edgardo Henriquez, and Kirby Yates, among other relievers, along with Tanner Scott's ever-deepening struggles, have been detrimental to the team. Receiving just one reliable arm from the IL could make a sizable difference. Related: Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Predicted to Accomplish Rare MLB Feat This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dodgers Trade Idea Grabs Orioles' Gregory Soto to Improve Bullpen
The Los Angeles Dodgers, like every contending team around Major League Baseball, could use starting pitching. With the Dodgers being as talented as they are, despite some of the injuries they've faced, the expectation was for them to acquire a reliever at the deadline. With those injuries now, it makes even more sense. Advertisement In a proposed trade idea from Jason Fray of Dodgers Nation, they'd accomplish that by trading for Gregory Soto of the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles have been one of the worst teams in baseball and currently sit at 15-31, already 12 games behind the first-place New York Yankees in the American League East. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) looks on from the dugout against the Miami Marlins during the first second at loanDepot Navarro-Imagn Images 'The Dodgers don't always seek bullpen help through the trade market (though acquiring Michael Kopech last year proved to be highly significant). As Friedman has mentioned before, there's normally a high premium put on relievers. The Dodgers also have the confidence in believing they can rehabilitate discarded pitchers and/or utilize arms from the farm system that can evolve into impact players come postseason time. Advertisement 'In this case, the lefty from Baltimore could be someone the team looks into. Like Kiner-Falefa and Thomas, Soto will be a free agent at year's end,' he wrote. Soto has been around the league a bit recently and has struggled in certain stops. At times in his career, he looks to be a lockdown reliever, while others suggest that his 4.27 career ERA is who he is. With his numbers, the Dodgers shouldn't have to give up much if they want them. Related: Ken Rosenthal Reveals NL Team That Nearly Traded for Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cubs Trade Idea Sends Pitching Prospect for Dodgers' Michael Kopech
The Chicago Cubs should be buyers at this year's trade deadline. After pushing the chips for Kyle Tucker this offseason, the Cubs have gotten off to a 25-19 start, good for the National League Central lead. The offense has been explosive (their 5.55 runs per game is second-best in the Majors), and the starting pitching, while damaged by injuries, has been solid. Advertisement But late-inning situations have plagued Chicago, and President Jed Hoyer should look for support in his contract year. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter said this about the Cubs' bullpen: 'The Cubs are 24th in the majors with a 4.68 ERA from their relief corps, and offseason pickup Ryan Pressly (16 G, 6.91 ERA) has not been the late-innings answer that they expected him to be. Up-and-comers Porter Hodge and Daniel Palencia have potential and Drew Pomeranz has been a nice pickup, but one more proven late-inning arm could go a long way.' Here is a trade idea with the Los Angeles Dodgers: Cubs receive: RHP Michael Kopech Advertisement Dodgers receive: RHP Brody McCullough (No. 23) Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Michael Kopech (45) pitches during the fourth inning against the New York Yankees in game four of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Penner-Imagn Images Los Angeles and their abundance of arms are a natural trade fit for Chicago. Despite a laundry list of injuries, the Dodgers still boast one of the deepest and most talented collections of starters and relievers in baseball. Kopech has electrifying stuff when healthy, and having previously played for the Chicago White Sox, his familiarity with the city would ease the transition. However, he does not come without risk. Kopech, who has been injury-plagued throughout his MLB tenure, is currently on the 60-day injured list with right shoulder impingement, yet is progressing through his rehab. Advertisement He may not be ready until July, but he represents a significant upgrade over manager Craig Counsell's current options. After being traded to the Dodgers last summer, he accumulated a 1.13 ERA and 2.54 FIP with 29 strikeouts to 10 walks over 24 innings. That version of Kopech is more than worthy of a mid-tier prospect like McCullough, who is expected to reach the Majors next year but is still a bearable loss for a team with deep October aspirations. Related: Cubs Get Positive Update on Shota Imanaga's Injury Status Related: Cubs' Craig Counsell Gives Update on Ian Happ Injury
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dodgers' Dave Roberts Makes Michael Kopech Announcement Amid Potential Return Soon
Not only are the Los Angeles Dodgers derailed by injuries to their starting rotation, but the bullpen has been killed, too. Michael Kopech, a flamethrowing right-hander who was acquired by the Dodgers at the deadline last season, has yet to pitch in a game this season. Advertisement Kopech has been dealing with a shoulder injury, but threw a 30-pitch bullpen session recently and was scheduled for another one on Monday. According to Dodgers Nation, Kopech stated that he dealt with the injury during the 2024 campaign, but added that he wasn't missing any time due to the team's deep run into October, which culminated in a World Series win. Sep 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Michael Kopech (45) pitches during the ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium. Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn ImagesKiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images 'I wasn't wanting to miss any time this year but the priority for me was the end of the season last year and the end of the season this year,' Kopech said. Despite not pitching early on in the campaign, it was reported by Doug Padilla of the Orange County Register that Dave Roberts said Kopech will face live hitters on Monday. Advertisement 'Roberts said Kopech could move to pitching live batting practice after Monday's bullpen. A minor-league rehab assignment would follow that step,' said Padilla. It's uncertain how his rehab has progressed outside of his bullpens, or how he performed on Monday against live hitters. However, it's a promising sign that Kopech has returned to the mound, as the Dodgers need him. He posted a 1.13 ERA and 0.79 WHIP during the 2024 campaign for Los Angeles, helping the Dodgers win the World Series.
