White Sox MiLB Report: Michael Kopech Records 11 Strikeouts
White Sox pitching prospects post solid starts on Saturday for respective teams, with third ranked prospect recording another quality start.
Chicago White Sox pitching prospects had yet another great day on the mound on Saturday as Michael Kopech, Lucas Giolito and Alec Hansen had solid starts for their respective teams. Kopech, the Sox third ranked prospect continues to develop as a good starting pitcher for Double-A Birmingham.
The 21-year-old right hander pitched seven strong innings for the Barons in the team’s 2-1 win over Jacksonville. Kopech recorded 11 strikeouts and allowed just one walk and no earned runs for Birmingham. This was Koepch’s fifth consecutive quality start and he improved his record to 8-7 with a 3.04 ERA.
More from White Sox Prospects
- Tyler Schweitzer could become a great White Sox pitcher
- The Chicago White Sox drafted well on days two and three
- This White Sox prospect is absolutely on fire right now in AAA
- Yoelqui Cespedes has been red-hot for the White Sox
- Looking at the potential of White Sox prospect Oscar Colas
Kopech has pitched well for Birmingham this season, and is starting to develop into a top of the rotation starting pitcher. For the Sox, Kopech’s development is crucial for future success on the mound. Kopech has already eclipsed 100 innings for the first time in his professional career, and he will need to finish this season strong as a starter.
Hansen also recorded a quality start for Single-A Advanced Winston-Salem in the Dash’s 6-0 win over the Potomac Nationals. The Sox ninth ranked prospect pitched six scoreless innings while recording 12 strikeouts and allowing just two walks. This was Hansen’s second consecutive start of recording 12 strikeouts. Hansen, much like Kopech, is also developing into a solid starter and has posted three consecutive quality starts.
The Sox might have the steal of the 2016 draft in Hansen as they selected him in the second round with the 49th pick. Hansen’s record this season with Winston-Salem is 2-4 with a 2.48 ERA and 58 strikeouts in eight starts. The 22-year-old could finish this season or begin 2018 with Birmingham. With his stellar performances lately, he could be a part of a great starting rotation for the Sox in the future.
Next: Player Development is Crucial for White Sox Rebuild
Giolito, the Sox seventh ranked prospect didn’t post a quality start for Triple-A Charlotte but he did have a solid outing on Saturday. The 23-year-old pitched five scoreless innings for the Knights and recorded seven strikeouts. Giolito hasn’t given up more than three earned runs in his last three starts and lowered his ERA to 4.73 with his outing against the Gwinnett Braves.
Click links below for box scores:
Gwinnett Braves 2-Charlotte Knights 0
Birmingham Barons 2-Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 1
Winston-Salem Dash 6-Potomac Nationals 0
Greensboro Grasshoppers 5-Kannapolis Intimidators 4 F/15
Great Falls Voyagers 8-Idaho Falls Chukars 4