The Los Angeles Dodgers are no strangers to pitching injuries.
As spring training is in full-force, many updates to the injured arms of Los Angeles are coming to light as players look to shake off the rust ahead of Opening Day.
One of the most productive Dodgers pitchers, who made his way to L.A. via the trade deadline last season, is Michael Kopech.
After five seasons with the Chicago White Sox, Kopech was acquired midseason and made an invaluable impact to the franchise ahead of lifting the World Series trophy.
In Kopech’s 24 regular season appearances for the Dodgers, he sported a 1.13 ERA with 29 strikeouts to only 10 walks.
Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain asked Kopech how his arm was feeling after an offseason of recovery and where he is at from a physical standpoint.
“You know I just had a little bit of inflammation, honestly some things were kinda just behind because of what happened,” said Kopech. “I got sick, my family got sick, I had to take a little time off training at a really unideal time, so when I started to build back up there was just some stuff that was kinda gunky in there so it’s almost like I’ve reset my throwing program since being back here.
“So, I wouldn’t say I’m close to 100 percent like close to game action, as far as health-wise, I’m close to 100% but there’s steps, there’s kind of a long road back when you have to reset your training. Overall I feel good, I’m in good shape, I feel comfortable competing if I had to rush to compete, but I don’t think there’s any rush right now.
“You look around this clubhouse, there’s no lack of talent here,” Kopech said with a smile, “so just trying to make sure to give the team the best product when I come back.”
McKain also asked the right-hander when he sees himself coming back for the Dodgers.
“I’m still shooting for April 1st.” said Kopech. The reliever added that things are still currently up in the air that even Opening Day could still be on the table, surpassing his previous assesment.
“[Japan] may even be a possibility. Everything is so day by day right now I would hate to give any difinitive type of answer of where I’m at, but it was good today, so I’ll take that.”
Kopech was not just a key part in winning the franchise’s eighth championship, but spoke on what it meant to him to wind up with such a storied organization that is known for taking care of their stars.
“This organization is so authentic that I take a lot of pride in wearing this blue, it’s been a really cool experience for me.”
