Chicago White Sox: Michael Kopech needing Tommy John surgery
By David Hill
In a huge blow for the Chicago White Sox rebuilding efforts, flamethrowing rookie Michael Kopech may need to undergo Tommy John surgery.
Michael Kopech burst upon the baseball scene early in his minor league career. Armed with a fastball that reached 103 MPH, he earned recognition for his insane velocity and questionable control. The centerpiece of the Chicago White Sox return in trading Chris Sale to the Boston Red Sox, Kopech had become a consensus top pitching prospect, a pitcher that was expected to lead the White Sox rebuild.
That may still happen, but that ascension to potential staff ace has been delayed. Kopech has a tear in his UCL, and Tommy John surgery has been recommended. Understandably, he is going for a second opinion, but chances are, he will not be toeing the rubber until 2020.
Michael Kopech will likely undergo Tommy John surgery after tests revealed a tear in his UCL. He is expected to be ready for Spring Training in 2020.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) September 7, 2018
He will receive a second opinion in the days coming to confirm today’s diagnosis.
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In his brief major league action this season, Kopech had displayed that promise that made him such a highly sought after commodity. He had struck out 15 batters with only two walks in his 14 innings, a cause for optimism. However, his wildness was still evident, as Kopech had hit five batters while allowing a 5.02 ERA and a 1.535 WHiP.
His minor league numbers were much more promising. During his time in AAA, he posted a 7-7 record, along with a 3.70 ERA and a 1.274 WHiP. In 126.1 innings, he struck out 170 batters, while issuing a relatively palatable 60 walks. This was the pitcher the White Sox were hoping he would be at the major league level next season.
Instead, they have a year to wait, and plenty to be concerned about. While Tommy John surgery has seen a great deal of success over the past few years, there are still those pitchers that never really return. With Kopech already having questionable command, and such a reliance on his fastball, throwing the pitch 62.5% of the time in his outings, this news could prove disastrous.
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The Chicago White Sox will be holding their breath until Michael Kopech returns to the mound. However, that may not happen until 2020.