White Sox MiLB Report: Michael Kopech Records Eight Strikeouts
White Sox top pitching prospect has a spectacular start in first outing of the season. The right-hander didn’t allow an earned run on Monday.
Chicago White Sox top pitching prospect Michael Kopech made his first start of 2018 on Monday for Triple-A Charlotte. The young hurler pitched four scoreless innings against the Norfolk Tides on the road.
Kopech didn’t have a good end to his spring training, but he was able to have a dominant outing for the Knights in his season debut. The 21-year-old recorded eight strikeouts while allowing just two walks. Kopech threw 77 pitches on Monday with 51 of them being for strikes.
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
The Sox aren’t going to rush Kopech to the majors, despite the bullpen struggling at the moment. Kopech will need much more development before being ready for his first taste of an MLB regular season. Kopech has the benefit of being with a patient organization as he gets plenty of time to develop into a quality starting pitcher.
In the Knights 4-1 victory over the Tides on Monday, Kopech wasn’t the only player to have a good game. Shortstop Jose Rondon went 2-for-4 with an RBI triple and a solo home run. Rondon, who was acquired from the San Diego Padres this past January for cash considerations. Currently, he’s hitting .278 through four games for Charlotte.
Next: White Sox Conclude Cold Homestand
With their win on Monday, the Knights have a 3-1 record to start the 2018 season. The Birmingham Barons of Double-A and the Kannapolis Intimidators of Single-A both lost on Monday. Single-A Advanced Winston Salem beat Myrtle Beach with Blake Rutherford recording three hits.
Rutherford is currently hitting .375 to start the season. Micker Adolfo collected two hits in the Dash’s win on Monday. Although he isn’t playing in the outfield due to injury, Adolfo is hitting .389 through five games for Winston-Salem.
Click links below for box scores:
Charlotte Knights 4-Norfolk Tides 1
Chattanooga Lookouts 5-Birmingham Barons 2