Dodgers' Kopech: Returning to rotation is 'on my wish list'

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Michael Kopech isn't closing the door on starting games despite his successful transition to the bullpen.

"It's on my wish list," he said on the "Foul Territory" podcast.

"It's up to the organization at this point. I think I've found a good fit in the bullpen, but starting - mixing pitches, going deep into games, having a lot of control over the momentum of the game - that's always (been) something I've really enjoyed doing."

Kopech, once expected to be the future ace of the Chicago White Sox, pitched almost exclusively as a starter the last two seasons before injuries and ineffectiveness prompted a transition to the bullpen in 2024.

The 28-year-old posted rather pedestrian numbers with Chicago but has dominated to the tune of a 0.95 ERA and 0.74 WHIP in 19 relief appearances since being acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"If (starting) is not in the cards, it's not in the cards," Kopech added. "I just want to compete and help the team win."

Kopech will have a chance to do that with the Dodgers, whose 89-61 record has them well-position for a 12th straight postseason birth.