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Dodgers Get Good News on Key Bullpen Piece

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brook Smith | Last updated Mar 27, 2025 6:00 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers will kick off their 2025 World Series title defense against the Detroit Tigers in Los Angeles this week. There is plenty of anticipation on one of the all-time sports payrolls, and with good reason.

Top to bottom, this Dodgers lineup is loaded with talent. That would include the bullpen, which President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman has worked tirelessly to improve over the years.

One of the most notable additions in 2024 was Michael Kopech. The Dodgers swung a trade with the White Sox that landed them Kopech and Tommy Edman from the Cardinals. It proved to be one of the better deadline deals in recent years.

But as good as Kopech was for the Dodgers in 2024, fans have yet to see him ahead of the season opener. Kopech was originally down with what was described as arm inflammation, but there is some good news coming out of Los Angeles today.

Michael Kopech said that after his forearm felt good early in camp, he ramped up a little quicker than his shoulder was ready for. That’s all good now, he says — “I feel better than I did last year,” he said.

He also dealt with a stomach bug that shut him down a bit this month.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 27, 2025

Not only is Kopech not dealing with a serious arm injury, but he says he is feeling better than last year. And while there is no timetable for him to return, the Dodgers have to be elated that they will be able to count on him in the bullpen this year.

Kopech has already dealt with arm issues, undergoing Tommy John surgery back in 2019 with the White Sox. But after his trade to the Dodgers, he found a new level in relief. The (almost) 29-year-old posted a 1.13 ERA across 24 appearances, striking out almost 11 batters per nine innings.

If he is healthy, he figures to be a HUGE piece in the Dodgers' bullpen.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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