White Sox: Michael Kopech, Reynaldo Lopez Struggle in Spring Training Debut
White Sox top prospects struggle in their Spring Training debuts on Tuesday. The South Siders pitching was before both poor starts.
Chicago White Sox top prospects Michael Kopech and Reynaldo Lopez both had outings they would like to quickly forget this past Tuesday. Both pitchers who were acquired in the offseason in two separate trades were unable to pitch more two innings in their Spring Training debuts.
Kopech and Lopez both started the Sox split squad games on Tuesday. Kopech started for the Sox against the Seattle Mariners at Camelback Ranch. Lopez started against the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark.
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Lopez, who was acquired from the Washington Nationals pitched 1.1 innings and gave up five earned runs. The 23-year-old gave up a two-run home run to notorious Sox killer Ryan Raburn in the first inning. Lopez didn’t record a strikeout and walked one batter. The start for Lopez was his first this spring for the Sox, and the results weren’t good.
For Kopech, he didn’t fare much better in his start for the Sox. Kopech pitched one inning and gave up four earned runs and four hits including a home run to Mitch Haniger. The 20-year-old flamethrower recorded two strikeouts to go along with one walk. Unlike Lopez, Kopech didn’t get past the first inning.
While both pitchers struggled in their Spring Training debuts, they still have a lot of time to improve. The Sox won’t be contending for a while, and they can allow both talented pitchers to continue growing in the minors.
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With both pitchers struggling on Tuesday, Sox fans shouldn’t be worried about either player. This is what Spring Training is for. Neither Kopech or Lopez are expected to be on the Sox on Opening Day, and they can focus on improving before being promoted to the major leagues someday.