The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched a 7–3 victory on Sunday, reinforcing their lead in the National League West, while also marking the return of Michael Kopech, a pivotal reliever for their upcoming 2025 World Series campaign. Kopech, acquired in a multi-player trade in July 2024, made a swift comeback after injury, needing just nine pitches to secure the ninth inning against St. Louis, allowing one hit and recording a strikeout.

As the Dodgers navigate a season plagued by pitching injuries, Kopech's timely return could stabilize their shaky bullpen, currently ranked 23rd in MLB with a 4.13 ERA. This is crucial as the team looks to enhance its late-game performance, particularly with Tanner Scott, who has blown five saves this season. After a brief road series against the San Diego Padres, they'll face their rivals, the Giants, back in California.

In a tense series against the New York Mets, the Los Angeles Dodgers displayed resilience, winning Game 2 in dramatic walk-off fashion after a tough Game 1 loss. However, they faltered in Game 3, despite a standout performance from Pete Alonso, who hit two home runs and drove in five runs.

Amidst these games, the Dodgers are facing significant challenges with their pitching staff, as 18 pitchers have been placed on the injured list this season. Fortunately, there's hope on the horizon as Kirby Yates and Michael Kopech are nearing returns ahead of a crucial series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Yates has struggled with a hamstring injury, while Kopech's absence has been felt due to shoulder issues. Their comeback would offer much-needed stability to a rotation that has seen 29 different pitchers take the mound this season.

The Los Angeles Dodgers face significant challenges this season, particularly in their pitching lineup. With Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki sidelined by shoulder injuries, the team has struggled to maintain a stable rotation. Further complicating matters, reliever Evan Phillips has been ruled out for the remainder of 2025 due to Tommy John surgery, following an elbow injury that resurfaced after an early season on the injured list. Manager Dave Roberts noted that Phillips' recent attempts to throw were unsuccessful, highlighting the severity of his condition. This marks a tough setback for the Dodgers, particularly given Phillips' impressive performance in recent seasons, where he boasted an ERA below 2.10 in the previous two years. Without him, and with uncertainties surrounding the returns of Michael Kopech and Blake Treinen, the Dodgers' bullpen depth is being put to the test.