Wednesday, February 13, 2025
Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2025
The Los Angeles Dodgers had their first formal workout for pitchers and catchers. A few position players are at Camelback Ranch.
Michael Kopech is dealing with forearm inflammation. Any time a baseball writer or fan hears about a pitcher with inflammation in his forearm, we go, “Oh no!”
Forearm inflammation can mean any pitcher needs Tommy John surgery. Knowing Kopech and Evan Phillips were injured, the Dodgers felt they needed more high-leverage relievers; thus, they signed Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates. However, the Dodgers may need more relievers.
In November, Brusdar Graterol underwent right shoulder surgery. Though the Dodgers think Graterol can return after the All-Star break, Graterol can easily miss the entire 2025 season.
Phillips has a tear in the back of his right rotator cuff. During the offseason, he received a PRP injection, but he might miss a significant amount of time in the 2025 season. Any time a pitcher has a tear in his rotator cuff, it is not good news. In the 2024 season, Phillips’ velocity and effectiveness diminished. Phillips might be dealing with this injury for a while, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he requires season-ending surgery before he appears in a game during the 2025 season.
Alex Vesia missed the NLCS against the New York Mets. He might miss time in the 2025 season. Since he joined the Dodgers in 2021, Vesia has pitched a lot. When a pitcher hurls many injuries, he is likely to become injured.
The Dodgers must value Landon Knack, Ben Casparius, and Eduardo Henriquez’s possible contributions to the Dodger bullpen. Superstars catch offseason headlines, but unknown relievers catch headlines in October.
