White Sox pitching prospect Michael Kopech had his first throwing session since having Tommy John surgery to repair his torn UCL in his right elbow.
Michael Kopech had a tremendous yet short MLB debut last season for the White Sox. Despite just pitching two innings before a rain delay in his first major league start, Kopech inspired hope amongst many White Sox fans for a bright future ahead.
Kopech would unfortunately not be able to finish his 2018 season on the mound as he needed Tommy John surgery last September after tearing the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The young right-handed pitcher will miss this upcoming season but on Tuesday there was some good news that came out of Glendale, Ariz.
While many White Sox fans are waiting for Spring Training to start, Kopech was able to participate in his first throwing session since having Tommy John surgery. Although Kopech will miss the 2019 season, he’s confident in his abilities and the type of pitcher he can ultimately be once he returns to the mound.
Today's milestone on the road to recovery: @MichaelKopech5’s first throwing session since surgery. #NextSox pic.twitter.com/5vX3vSNSib
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) February 5, 2019
"“Ultimately a year from now I know that I’m going to be better because of all of these minor tweaks, and I know that these tweaks are going to be what makes me the type of pitcher I want to become in the future, which is top-of-the-rotation caliber and a pitcher that helps us win a World Series.” Michael Kopech"
Kopech missing the 2019 season will be a big blow to the White Sox starting rotation. Just when it appeared that Kopech would be a top-of-the-rotation pitcher as soon as this year, he went down with an unfortunate injury. The hard part for Kopech is recovering from his surgery and getting back to being the pitcher he was before tearing his UCL.
As mentioned in a previous article, fellow teammate Lucas Giolito wasted little time in helping Kopech begin his recovery after his surgery last year. Kopech mentioned that he will likely be rehabbing this year in Arizona at the White Sox training facility. He stated he would also come to Chicago a few times to interact with the team later this season.
Kopech’s recovery from his injury will important this year as he looks to make a comeback in 2020. While his injury was unfortunate, the White Sox front office addressed Kopech’s absence in the starting rotation for 2019 this offseason with a trade for veteran pitcher Ivan Nova. If Kopech’s rehabilitation goes well this year, he could compete for the top spot in the Sox starting rotation next season.