I mean, I guess you could cut Michael Kopech some slack because he's been out a few weeks with shoulder inflammation, but holy hell was his first start back from the injured list the cherry on top of a shit sundae for White Sox fans on Friday night. The White Sox were down 4-0 in the first inning before Kopech could get an out.
The White Sox righty was placed on the 15-day injured list back on July 2, retroactive to June 29. A real shame because although his overall numbers through the end of June didn't look spectacular, Kopech posted a 4.08 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 86 innings, the 27-year-old had been much better since the beginning of May, recording a 2.83 ERA in his last 11 starts.
The thing is, Kopech has been wild way too often in 2023, leading to several short starts. As a matter of fact, his last four starts prior to the injury list stint did not go past the fifth inning.
On Friday night, Kopech allowed the first five batters he faced to reach base before getting an out. He walked Ronald Acuña Jr., hit Ozzie Albies, walked Austin Riley and then served up a grand slam to Matt Olson.
The last time something like this happened to the White Sox was back in 2001.
Sean Murphy walked right after and then with two outs in the first inning, Kopech walked the fourth hitter in the first inning in Orlando Arcia.
Michael Kopech's night: 8 batters faced, 4 BB, 1 HBP, 1 HR, 1 Wild Pitch, 2 Outs Recorded, 38 Pitches, 14 Strikes.
Absolutely brutal for Kopech, the White Sox, White Sox fans. There's just so much potential with Kopech, but he still can't put it all together.
In 2022, Kopech made 25 starts for the White Sox, in what was his first full season in the starting rotation. The right-hander had good numbers, posting a 3.54 ERA and 1.19 ERA. However, he was only able to throw 119.1 innings, as Kopech had two separate injury stints at the end of the regular season.
Since 2018, when Kopech made his MLB debut with the White Sox in August, the right-handed pitcher has thrown a total of 289 innings. He has a career 3.77 ERA in 89 games that includes 49 starts.
On a more positive note, the White Sox brought in right-handed pitcher Touki Toussaint after Kopech's blow up in the first inning and so far he's shut down the Braves. Toussaint entered Friday night with a 3.60 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 15 innings with the White Sox.
Toussaint ended up pitching 5.1 innings and allowed one run on three hits and four walks. He struck out four.
Comments
Join the discussion below. Keep it civil and focused on the content.
Loading comments...