He’s back.
Right-hander Michael Kopech returned from the injured list Saturday and made his season debut Sunday, throwing a scoreless inning in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 7-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.
Kopech closed out the Dodgers’ win, giving up one hit and striking out one in his return to the mound.
The victory was the first for Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw since last August. The three-time Cy Young Award winner went five innings, giving up one run while striking out seven.
The Dodgers hope Kopech can help bring stability to a pitching staff that has been riddled with injuries. Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, Blake Treinen, Brusdar Graterol and Tony Gonsolin are on the injured list, while presumed ace Shohei Ohtani continues rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.
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The Red Sox selected Kopech in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft and he quickly became one of the club’s top prospects.
Kopech impressed in the minors, reaching High-A Salem in 2016, where he went 4-1 with a 2.25 ERA in 11 starts.
That caught the attention of the Chicago White Sox, who acquired him in the blockbuster 2016 trade that sent left-hander Chris Sale to Boston.
In five years with the White Sox, Kopech made 60 starts before transitioning to a role in the bullpen.
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Chicago traded Kopech to the Dodgers in 2024 as part of a three-team deal with the Cardinals.
Kopech quickly impressed the Dodgers, posting a 1.13 ERA in 24 relief appearances. He made another 10 postseason appearances to help Los Angeles win the World Series.
CBS Sports reports Kopech developed a shoulder impingement during spring training and started the 2025 season on the 60-day injured list.
Featured image via Matt Marton/USA TODAY Sports Images
