Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Michael Kopech has been transferred to the 60-day injured list in a surprising and concerning development.

Kopech was previously placed on the 15-day IL for right knee inflammation on July 1, retroactive to June 28, with an injury that wasn’t expected to keep him out for long.

Now, Kopech won’t be eligible to return until late August at the earliest.

Kopech was transferred to the 60-day IL to make room for All-Star right-hander Tyler Glasnow, who has been activated from the injured list. Right-hander Alexis Diaz has been optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

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The Dodgers activated RHP Tyler Glasnow and optioned RHP Alexis Díaz. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers placed RHP Michael Kopech on the 60-day injured list.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 9, 2025

From the moment Kopech arrived last season by way of a trade deadline deal with the Chicago White Sox, he proved himself to be not just one of the best relievers on the Dodgers, but one of the most formidable bullpen arms in the majors.

Since his trade, Kopech unleashed a 1.13 ERA across 24 appearances. His ERA+ for the second half of the season was an unreal 359, ranking him 259 percent higher than qualified relievers.

His dominance carried over into the postseason as he tossed 10 strikeouts in as many appearances, allowing three earned runs on the way to helping LA raise the eighth Commissioner’s Trophy in franchise history.

Kopech was unfortunately placed on the injured list during spring training due to right shoulder impingement, but made his season debut this past June. The Dodgers won all eight games that featured Kopech as the right-hander had yet to allow a run in 2025, but he now finds himself back on the shelf for an extended period of time.

The starting pitcher turned reliever from Longview, TX, will do what he can to recover from his knee complications and hopefully get back to the team for the most important stretch of the year.

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Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

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