Dodgers' Michael Kopech Reportedly Undergoes Surgery on Torn Meniscus Injury

The Los Angeles Dodgers will reportedly be without relief pitcher Michael Kopech through at least the end of August.

Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reported Wednesday the National League West team placed him on the 60-day injured list after he underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee. While the setback is not expected to end his 2025 campaign, it is still a difficult blow for the right-hander.

Durability has been a concern for Kopech throughout the season, as he didn't even make his 2025 debut until a June 8 game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

He battled shoulder and forearm issues that dated back to October during the initial absence.

Ardaya noted the knee injury was not expected to be as serious, as manager Dave Roberts previously said, "I don't think it'll be a long-term situation." Kopech himself also said scans did not reveal any structural damage, meaning the plan was to just undergo an injection and continue playing.

Instead, he will be out for a significant amount of time.

This is surely not the way Kopech envisioned his season unfolding after he was brilliant for the Dodgers in 2024. Los Angeles acquired him via trade from the Chicago White Sox, and he posted a 1.13 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 29 strikeouts in 24 regular-season innings.

He also appeared in 10 postseason games and finished with a 3.00 ERA and 1.33 WHIP while helping lead the Dodgers to the World Series title.

Kopech is scheduled for free agency after this season, so he will be looking to return to form by the end of the campaign to give him more leverage in any negotiations with the Dodgers or other teams. Los Angeles could also use him back, as it has struggled of late and lost its sixth consecutive game Wednesday.

It is still five games ahead of the San Francisco Giants in the NL West, but the division feels more attainable for its rivals than it did a week ago.

In the perfect world for the Dodgers, Kopech will return for the stretch run and help them hold off any challengers and repeat as champions.