Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse for the Dodgers, it did. Fresh off a humbling sweep at the hands of the Astros, the Dodgers faced the Brewers, hoping to stop the bleeding, but instead they were dealt another crushing blow—a clean, emphatic, three-game sweep. The last time the Dodgers lost six in a row was back in 2019, and the last time the Brewers swept them was in 2014. So, this is a historic skid. But before you think that’s the worst of it, buckle up because it gets even bleaker with the injuries.

The Dodgers’ pursuit of October glory is very much alive. But with a team ERA of 4.35, their pitching staff remains their Achilles’ heel. For a team that sits atop the division, the Dodgers have had a common theme to their recent losses: a blown-up pitching staff marred by injuries. And now, they’ve received more concerning news regarding another one of their relievers —Michael Kopech.

“Michael Kopech had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, per source. That’s why he was moved to the 60-day IL. Still expected back before the end of the season,” MLB insider Bill Plunkett wrote on X.

It was initially thought to be a minor injury when Kopech first landed on the 15-day IL on July 1st with right knee inflammation. But it worsened over time and now after the surgery, the 29-year-old has moved to the 60-day IL and isn’t eligible to return to the active roster before late August.

So far this season, Kopech has made only eight appearances, throwing 7 scoreless innings with 8 strikeouts and 4 walks. This is in stark contrast to his heroics in the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series run, where he pitched in 10 postseason games and finished with a strong 3.00 ERA and 1.33 WHIP.

Call it a coincidence or not, but the Dodgers lost Kopech, one of their key relievers, for another six weeks immediately after their bullpen imploded in the third game of the Brewers series. In their recent 3-2 loss against Milwaukee, the Dodgers’ bullpen struggled again, with closer Tanner Scott blowing a ninth-inning lead.

With the bullpen already running thin, the team has decided to call up Alexis Diaz from Triple-A Oklahoma City, but right as they made that move, they suffered another setback, with Kopech moving to 60-day IL. Talk about bad timing.

The Dodgers’ injury saga continues

This year, the Dodgers’ injury saga has felt like a never-ending rollercoaster, and it all started when Mookie Betts had to miss the Tokyo Series. From there, it spread across the roster, first hitting the rotation and then the bullpen. Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Tanner Scott, Roki Sasaki, Tony Gonsolin— the list of injured arms just kept growing.

However, after months of watching players get sidelined, it finally felt like the tide was turning as Tanner Scott returned from the IL, Mookie Betts was back and producing, and Blake Snell began his rehab assignment. Tyler Glasnow returning to the mound on Wednesday was another major boost. He was out for more than 10 weeks with right shoulder inflammation. But then, boom, another setback!

Kopech being moved to 60-day IL is a gut punch for the Dodgers, especially at a time when the bullpen has already stretched thin.

The Dodgers spent a substantial part of the first half of the season without their starters and still topped NL West. But as the season enters the second half, they seem to be losing momentum with the injury list still growing. Can they bounce back? Share your thoughts below.