Los Angeles Dodgers News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Dodgers Receive Positive Update on Key Duo Ahead of Weekend Matchup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 3:05 PM ET

In the past week, the Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired relievers Alexis Díaz and José Ureña to reinforce a bullpen stretched dangerously thin due to a growing list of injuries, most notably the season-ending loss of setup man Evan Phillips.

Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery this week and was subsequently placed on the 60-day injured list, leaving a void in late-game situations.

While the Dodgers have been active externally in their search for replacements, they are also expecting internal reinforcements soon. Kirby Yates and Michael Kopech each threw live batting practice sessions on Wednesday ahead of the team’s game against the New York Mets. According to manager Dave Roberts, a decision on their status will come after evaluating how they feel on Thursday.

Yates, suffering from a hamstring strain, impressed in his throwing session.

“I thought Kirby was good, talked to him briefly afterward. [Threw] strikes, did his usual. I think he felt good coming out of it,” Roberts said. “And as long as he feels good tomorrow, then there’s certainly a good possibility to be activated this weekend.

Before his injury, Yates had made 22 appearances, totaling a 4.34 ERA and 31 strikeouts across 18 innings of work. Yates’ return could help the Dodgers’ closing woes as Tanner Scott leads the league with five blown saves. Yates, a 2024 All-Star with the Texas Rangers, accumulated 33 saves and can provide another ninth-inning option if Scott’s struggles continue.

Kopech’s road back has been quite the contrast compared to Yates’. A shoulder injury has kept him sidelined for the first three months of the season, and his rehab stint has been underwhelming. In nine appearances for Triple-A Oklahoma City, Kopech has struggled with command, dishing out 11 walks, 11 runs, and eight hits across 6.1 innings.

Despite the poor stat line, the Dodgers still see value in Kopech’s inevitable return.

“With Michael, I didn’t talk to him, but the stuff was good. Just curious to see what the pitching guys and training staff feel and what he thinks of how he felt today, and we’ll move forward after that.”

Roberts continued by emphasizing the importance of Kopech completing his rehab with the major league club.

“The reports were that the stuff was good, certainly, the line wasn’t good and consistent. I think more of the thought is with this track record, the heightened focus being here, that’s kind of our thought about the potential activation,” Robert said. “It’s important. You’re in rehab mode. You’re not around. So, to get back to your teammates and the coaches, they might be able to detect some things or clean some things up mechanically.”

As the Dodgers search for answers in their bullpen, the return of Yates and Kopech can provide much-needed insurance, with 10 of their next 14 games coming against National League West opponents.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: