Michael Kopech Has Begun Offseason Throwing Program

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January 22:  Los Angeles general manager Brandon Gomes downplayed the situation this evening. Gomes said that Kopech is amidst his offseason throwing program and said he (doesnt) think theres anything of concern at this point with their potential closer ( by Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register).  January 21:  The Dodgers are seemingly on the verge of adding two high-leverage bullpen pieces. After agreeing to terms on a four-year deal with  over the weekend, Los Angeles reportedly has a in place to sign All-Star righty  .  USA Todays Bob Nightengale, who was first to report that the Dodgers and Yates were closing in on a deal, linked the expected addition to the health status of  . There hadnt been any prior indication that Kopech was facing a potential injury absence. Nightengale that the hard-throwing righty has been battling forearm inflammation. He has  not  been diagnosed with any  Julius Erving Jersey structural damage, though Nightengale indicates that the Dodgers will take a cautious approach early in the season.  wrote this morning that Kopech pitched through what was seemingly a minor forearm i sue during last falls World Series run. Acquired from the White Sox in a three-team deadline deal, Kopech had a brilliant first few months in Los Angeles. He fired 24 innings down the stretch and posted a 1.13 earned run average. He struck out 33% of opposing hitters while generating swinging strikes on a fantastic 15.8% of his offerings.  Kopechs playoff performance was a little more shaky. While he only allowed three runs in nine postseason innings, he i sued seven free pa ses while striking out 10 batters. Kopech didnt lose any life on his 98-99 MPH fastball, though, so that dip was probably more about small sample variance than a reflection that he was significantly hampered physically. His command has never been pristine.  For now, the forearm inflammation seems to be something worth monitoring rather than a huge concern. Nightengale suggests that Kopech could begin the season on the injured list, but no one from the team has publicly stated thatll be the case. Even if he does mi s a few weeks early in the year, the Dodgers have plenty of talent to weather his absence.  The Dodgers could have four or five potential closers. Scott closed for the Marlins for a few seasons before moving into a setup capacity with the Padres after a deadline trade.  had been L.A.s primary closer for over a year before the Kopech acquisition. Phillips battled shoulder i sues late in the season and wasnt able to go in the World Series. The Dodgers brought back high-leverage arm  on a two-year contract early in the offseason. If they finalize the Yates deal, he could be the favorite for the ninth after saving 33 games for the Rangers. Skipper Dave Roberts will have plenty of high-octane arms he can juggle even if Kopech begins the year on the shelf.  Jason Kidd Jersey