White Sox top pitching prospect has solid outing in final start of season for Triple-A Charlotte. Right-hander recorded seven strikeouts.
In his final start of the 2017 season, Chicago White Sox third ranked prospect Michael Kopech recorded seven strikeouts in a losing effort for Triple-A Charlotte. The 21-year-old pitched five innings for the Knights on Friday in a 8-2 loss to the Norfolk Tides.
Kopech allowed just two earned runs in his third outing for Charlotte. The Sox top pitching prospect performed well in his first year in the organization for both Double-A Birmingham and the Knights. Kopech pitched a career-high 134.1 innings this season with a combined 9-8 record and 2.88 ERA.
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With the Sox promoting Reynaldo Lopez and Lucas Giolito recently, Kopech could be the next starting pitcher promoted by next season. Kopech was named the Southern League Most Outstanding Player on Aug. 30. The Sox could very well have a potential top of the rotation starting pitcher in Kopech.
However, Kopech will have to build on a successful 2017 for next season. With Kopech pitching a career-high in innings, he will be looked upon to surpass that total in 2018. The Sox have the luxury of not needing to rush Kopech, which will allow him to get the development he needs in Charlotte.
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Kopech will possibly join a young rotation that will be poised to contend in the future. With the Sox remaining diligent in their approach to development, the organization has finally made the best decision for prolonged success.
Click on links below for box scores:
Norfolk Tides 8-Charlotte Knights 2
Mississippi Braves 4-Birmingham Barons 3
Lakewood BlueClaws 1-Kannapolis Intimidators 0