The Los Angeles Dodgers are already getting bitten by the injury bug with a month-and-a-half to go before the start of the new season.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed that two of the team’s pitchers are behind schedule in their recovery and are thus expected to begin the 2025 season on the injured list. Those two pitchers are righty relievers Michael Kopech and Evan Phillips.
Both arms were part of the Dodgers’ World Series-winning team last year. Kopech, 28, posted a 1.13 ERA over 24 relief appearances in 2024 while Phillips, 30, had a 3.62 ERA over 61 relief appearances.
But Kopech is currently battling a forearm inflammation issue that apparently sprung up on him last month. Meanwhile, Phillips missed the entire World Series last season due to a rotator cuff tear that he continues to recover from.
The good news for the Dodgers is that they now have an embarrassment of riches in their bullpen. After signing lefty Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract this offseason, the defending champions also went right back out and signed another All-Star reliever in free agency.
With Kopech and Phillips both out of commission for the time being, the Dodgers’ bullpen leans more lefty-heavy with the likes of Scott, Alex Vesia, and Anthony Banda. But given the sheer talent level available on their roster (including their relief corps), the Dodgers should be able to survive for however long they need to until Kopech and Phillips are recovered from injury.
