The Los Angeles Dodgers are placing right-handed pitcher Michael Kopech on the injured list, ending his 2025 regular season at the very least.
“He’s going through some things physically,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Certainly it’s pitchable. Those are his words.”
Right-handed pitcher Will Klein, who was spotted with the team at Dodger Stadium on Friday is being recalled from Triple-A.
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Kopech has had a trying 2025 season, spending more time on the injured list than the active roster. Kopech began the season on the injured list with a shoulder injury, and didn’t debut until June 7. He then made eight appearances before undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. He rejoined the team on Sept. 1.
Since returning, Kopech has struggled with his command, walking eight batters over his last four appearances (2.2 innings). On the year, he has a 2.45 ERA across 11 innings, but has allowed 13 walks to 12 strikeouts.
Roberts said the team is hopeful Kopech can still be an option in the postseason. However, he got honest on Kopech’s struggles after Thursday night’s game.
“I love Kopey. I know he’s doing everything he can,” Roberts said. “But it’s just for me, it’s, you’ve got to win games. You’ve got to give your defense a chance to make plays. The strike-throwing has just been difficult and inconsistent. That’s a hard question, I think right now. Right where we’re at, guys have got to – we’ve seen enough of a sample of guys that we’ve got to go with the most trusted guys right now. That’s kind of where my head’s at.
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Klein is replacing Kopech on the roster temporarily, but Brock Stewart, Kyle Hurt and Roki Sasaki could all join the active roster next week. Both Stewart and Sasaki are pitching for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday in what could be their final tuneups before returning to the big league roster.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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