Prospect for the Dodgers Hit by a Line Drive Will Have Face Surgery

Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Patrick Copen will undergo surgery in the coming weeks following “a serious injury to his face,” director of player development Will Rhymes said.

Copen, who MLB Pipeline ranks as the organization’s No. 20 prospect, had his season essentially ended when he was placed on the 60-day injured list.

“He is getting great care and he’s doing well, all things considered,” Rhymes texted on Thursday.

Cooper Pratt of Wisconsin hit a line drive in the third inning of the Great Lakes Loons’ game against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, striking Copen in the face. Copen was taken off the pitch by paramedics while still awake, but his neck was supported.

The line drive struck Copen in the cheek/orbital bone region. Copen had to wait 21 minutes on the pitch to receive medical assistance due to the injury.

It’s a disappointing way to end a promising season for a pitcher who advanced up the Dodgers minor-league ladder and up their internal prospect rankings.

Right-hander Copen, who is six feet six, began the season at Rancho Cucamonga, a Class-A facility. In 13 games (11 starts), he had a 5-2 record and a 3.15 ERA over 54.1 innings.

On June 25, Copen was promoted to the Dodgers’ Class-A Midwest League affiliate, Great Lakes.

In eight starts for the Loons, Copen went 3-2 with a 4.21 ERA, pitching 36.1 innings with 35 strikeouts and 27 walks. Opponent hits on him were only.248.

Over the past two seasons, Copen has made 24 appearances in minor league games, making 21 starts. The Parkersburg, West Virginia native has thrown 95 innings, walking 55, striking out 97 while only surrendering 76 hits.

The Belpre, Ohio native played baseball at Parkersburg Catholic High School for four years.Right-hander Copen, standing six feet six, began the season at Rancho Cucamonga, a Class-A facility. In 13 games (11 starts), he had a 5-2 record and a 3.15 ERA over 54.1 innings.

On June 25, Copen was promoted to the Dodgers’ Class-A Midwest League affiliate, Great Lakes.

In eight starts for the Loons, Copen went 3-2 with a 4.21 ERA, pitching 36.1 innings with 35 strikeouts and 27 walks. Opponent hits on him were only.248.

Over the past two seasons, Copen has made 24 appearances in minor league games, making 21 starts. The Parkersburg, West Virginia native has thrown 95 innings, walking 55, striking out 97 while only surrendering 76 hits.

The Belpre, Ohio native played baseball at Parkersburg Catholic High School for four years.