The Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen, once perceived as overcrowded, has seen a shift in dynamics due to recent injuries, creating some unexpected opportunities. Ryan Brasier’s departure to the Cubs, despite his solid 3.54 ERA last season, highlighted the initial depth. However, injuries to Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech have altered the landscape.
Los Angeles Dodgers Injury Update: Evan Phillips, Michael Kopech
Reports surfaced about three weeks ago that both Phillips and Kopech were experiencing delays in their spring training progression. Phillips, who was diagnosed with a minor rotator cuff tendon tear during last year’s playoffs, had been managing lingering effects that slowed his offseason preparation. It was later reported that he would not be ready for Opening Day.
However, manager Dave Roberts provided a positive update to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, noting that Phillips’s recent bullpen session was impressive. Phillips will continue his workouts in Arizona while the team travels to Japan for the Tokyo Series, with Roberts expressing confidence that Phillips will rejoin the team in early April. This is encouraging news, considering Phillips’s consistent performance over the past three seasons, marked by a 2.21 ERA, a 29.6% strikeout rate, and a 6.5% walk rate.
Michael Kopech, transitioning to a relief role after a career as a starter, also faces uncertainty. Despite a 3.46 ERA last year between the White Sox and Dodgers, and a strong 31.5% strikeout rate, his 12.2% walk rate remains a concern. Forearm inflammation has hampered his recent progress, casting doubt on his availability for the start of the 2025 season. Ardaya reported that Kopech has resumed bullpen sessions, suggesting some progress, though his status remains uncertain.
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Latest On Edgardo Henriquez
These bullpen vacancies presented an opportunity for young right-hander Edgardo Henriquez to step up. However, a “mishap” away from the field, as described by Roberts to Ardaya, has sidelined Henriquez with a leg injury, requiring him to wear a walking boot and miss four to six weeks of action.
Henriquez, who debuted with the Dodgers in September of last year and also appeared in the postseason, impressed with his high-velocity fastball (98.7 mph) and cutter (89.4 mph). In 53 minor league innings last year, he posted a 2.72 ERA and a 38.9% strikeout rate, though his 12.8% walk rate is a point of concern. 1 While his small sample size in the majors is limited, his potential is evident. Henriquez is expected to be a future contributor to the Dodgers’ bullpen, but his development will be temporarily paused due to his injury.