The Los Angeles Dodgers are already getting bitten by the harm bug with a month-and-a-half to go earlier than the beginning of the brand new season.
Talking with reporters on Wednesday, Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts revealed that two of the staff’s pitchers are not on time of their restoration and are thus anticipated to start the 2025 season on the injured listing. These two pitchers are righty relievers Michael Kopech and Evan Phillips.
Each arms have been a part of the Dodgers’ World Collection-winning staff final yr. Kopech, 28, posted a 1.13 ERA over 24 reduction appearances in 2024 whereas Phillips, 30, had a 3.62 ERA over 61 reduction appearances.
However Kopech is presently battling a forearm irritation challenge that apparently sprung up on him final month. In the meantime, Phillips missed all the World Collection final season attributable to a rotator cuff tear that he continues to get better from.
The excellent news for the Dodgers is that they now have a humiliation of riches of their bullpen. After signing lefty Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract this offseason, the defending champions additionally went proper again out and signed another All-Star reliever in free agency.
With Kopech and Phillips each out of fee in the meanwhile, the Dodgers bullpen leans extra lefty-heavy with the likes of Scott, Alex Vesia and Anthony Banda. However given the sheer expertise degree out there on their roster (together with their reduction corps), the Dodgers ought to be capable to survive for nonetheless lengthy they should till Kopech and Phillips are recovered from harm.
