The Los Angeles Dodgers have had depth issues surrounding their pitching roster all season long, but are close to getting a key piece back in the bullpen.

With one month to go until the postseason, Michael Kopech’s imminent return should be an incredibly promising sign for fans as the right-hander recently completed his rehab assignment.

Kopech started the 2025 season late with a shoulder impingement suffered during spring training. After making his debut in early June, he would wind up on the injured list once again with right knee inflammation, later needing surgery to repair a torn meniscus.

Kopech has rejoined the team and according to the Orange County Register’s Bill Plunket will travel with the Dodgers to Pittsburgh and likely be activated from the injured list on Tuesday ahead of a series with the Pirates.

When Kopech is healthy, he has proven to be an elite hurler for the Dodgers.

Since his arrival at last year’s trade deadline, he tossed a 1.13 ERA across 24 appearances. In just seven innings this season, Kopech has yet to allow a run, striking out eight and permitting four walks.

Manager Dave Roberts spoke on the kind of impact Kopech has on the team aside from his work on the mound.

“I think it’s just competition, focusing. I really do,” Roberts said. “Once he gets here, the level of focus is heightened.”

Focus has been a talking point for the last few weeks in LA, given the rising San Diego Padres at the Dodgers’ neck, and LA not playing their best baseball as of late.

The Dodgers have a slim lead on the rest of the National League West, but with one month to go until the postseason, seamingly each game matters as much as the next. For Kopech specifically, getting the rust off before October will be paramount, and getting back to his 2024 form at the perfect time for another potential title run.