Los Angeles Dodgers’ General Manager, Brandon Gomes, has clarified the status of talented reliever Michael Kopech, easing concerns about his health. Recently, reports surfaced suggesting that Kopech would be sidelined for the first month of the upcoming season due to an arm injury. However, Gomes expressed uncertainty about the validity of those claims, emphasizing that Kopech is actively participating in his offseason training program and is progressing alongside his teammates. “Kopy’s throwing and going through his offseason training program and he’s like everybody else,” Gomes stated on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast. This positive update indicates that the team is monitoring all players closely to ensure they are ready for the start of the season.

In 2024, Kopech’s acquisition proved instrumental for the Dodgers as they secured him from the White Sox during a significant three-team trade at the deadline. His performance in the latter part of the season was remarkable, as he showcased his skills on the mound. Across 24 innings, he achieved an impressive 1.13 ERA, demonstrating his ability to dominate hitters by striking out 33 percent of those he faced and generating swinging strikes on 15.8 percent of his pitches. This stellar performance solidified his value to the Dodgers as they aimed for a championship run.

Despite his success, Kopech faced challenges during the playoffs. He allowed only three runs over nine innings but struggled with control, issuing seven walks while striking out 10 batters. His fastball, clocked at 98-99 MPH, remained effective, yet The Athletic’s analysts, Fabian Ardaya and Ken Rosenthal, reported that he pitched with some discomfort during postseason play. This raises questions about his physical condition as the team prepares for the new season.