Chicago White Sox: Michael Kopech lights out in return
Chicago White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech returned to the mound for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery and the results were favorable.
Did you hear that? The collective sigh of relief from Chicago White Sox fans. Pitcher Michael Kopech who has not pitched since late 2018 was back in action yesterday and was lighting up the radar gun.
One of the cornerstone pieces in the trade which saw Chris Sale go to the Boston Red Sox (Yoan Moncada was a vital piece as well), made his spring training debut by recording three outs against the Texas Rangers. Kopech was very efficient in his one inning of work throwing only eleven pitches to induce two ground outs and notch one strikeout.
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The most encouraging aspect of the outing was the fact Kopech touched 101 on the radar gun.
The major league resume for Michael Kopech is uninspiring at best. In his four starts with the White Sox in 2018, Kopech was hit hard. He gave up twenty hits in just over fourteen innings, including four home runs. He also hit five batters in his limited time on the mound.
The minor league statistics and potential are more encouraging. In 2018 Kopech topped out at Triple-A where he struck out twelve hitters per nine innings. An impressive WHIP and low home run rate are reasons why some believe Kopech will be a number one starter in the league at some point.
Any pitcher who comes back from Tommy John surgery faces the possibility of not being able to regain the strength or control they had prior to the injury. While this is just one spring appearance, the results could not be any better.
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The Chicago White Sox have the luxury of some depth at the starting pitcher position and can ease Michael Kopech back into action slowly.