White Sox MiLB Report: Michael Kopech Makes Triple-A Debut
White Sox top pitching prospect makes Triple-A debut for Charlotte on Monday. Young right-hander pitches five innings for the Knights on the road.
Chicago White Sox top pitching prospect Michael Kopech made his Triple-A debut with a start on Monday against the Norfolk Tides. Kopech was able to recover from a rough first inning to pitch five innings for the Charlotte Knights.
The Sox second ranked prospect recorded four strikeouts while giving up two earned runs and allowing two walks against Norfolk. Kopech got into a jam in the first inning as he gave up a double to Mike Yastrzemski. Yastrzemski would later score on a RBI single from Drew Dosch to put Norfolk ahead 1-0.
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Kopech would get out of the first inning with runners on first and third base by striking out J.J. Hardy and inducing a groundout from Chance Sisco. In the second inning, the Tides would go up 2-0 after a RBI groundout from Logan Schafer scored Ruben Tejada. However, Kopech would keep Norfolk scoreless throughout the remainder of his start as Charlotte would win 4-2.
With Kopech having a solid debut in his first Triple-A start, the 21-year-old pitcher continues to string together solid outings. Kopech hasn’t given up a home run in his last six starts including his outing on Monday. The 2014 first round draft pick of the Boston Red Sox also hasn’t given up more than two earned runs in his last seven starts.
Kopech’s solid outing on Monday could pave the way for the young hurler to be on the fast track to the majors by next season. If Kopech is able have a strong start to his 2018 season, he could join a Sox rotation that would include Carlos Rodon, Reynaldo Lopez and Lucas Giolito.
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While Kopech had a strong debut for Triple-A Charlotte, Luis Martinez of Single-A Kannapolis pitched seven strong innings in a 4-2 Intimidators win on Monday. Martinez, the Sox 30th ranked prospect recorded six strikeouts and gave up just two earned runs to the Hagerstown Suns. The win was his eighth of the season and improved his record to 8-1 with a 3.36 ERA.
Click links below for box scores:
Charlotte Knights 4-Norfolk Tides 2
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 4-Birmingham Barons 1
Kannapolis Intimidators 4-Hagerstown Suns 2
Helena Brewers 11-Great Falls Voyagers 5