Dodgers make September roster expansion official with moves every fan expected

After weeks of speculation and anticipation, the Los Angeles Dodgers activated a pair of players from the injured list on Monday.

With MLB rosters expanding from 26 to 28 players for the month of September, the Dodgers activated relief pitcher Michael Kopech and utility player Hyeseong Kim from the IL and added both to the active roster. Both players were with Triple-A Oklahoma City on injury rehab assignments, and both will provide an immediate boost as the Dodgers embark on their stretch run.

Kopech had been sidelined with right knee inflammation since late June. Due to an earlier IL stint with shoulder impingement, he had only been active for three weeks before landing on the IL a second time. Kim was placed on the IL at the end of July with right shoulder bursitis after appearing in 58 games for the Dodgers in his debut campaign.

Dodgers make September roster expansion official with moves every fan expected

While healthy, Kopech pitched seven scoreless innings for the Dodgers this season, allowing three hits and four walks against eight strikeouts. But while his extended absence was widely believed to be one of the primary reasons for Los Angeles' bullpen struggles this season, Kopech's rehab numbers tell a different story. The right-hander has allowed 14 hits, 20 walks and 18 runs (all earned) in 11 2/3 rehab innings with Oklahoma City.

Kim, one of the Dodgers' prized international free agent signings last offseason, started the year at Triple-A before being called up in early May. In a limited sample size of 58 Major League games, Kim managed to slash .304/.338/.406 with 12 stolen bases, all while providing above-average defense at second base, shortstop and center field.

The Dodgers will hope that Kopech can return to his early-season form and give them some much-needed bullpen depth down the stretch and into the postseason. In Kim, they also gain a left-handed bat off the bench who can hopefully provide a spark with fellow lefty hitter Max Muncy yet to return from an oblique injury.

Kopech and Kim will join the Dodgers as they embark on a six-game road trip, which begins Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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