The Chicago White Sox needs Michael Kopech back in the worst way. He was in the building watching the game on Friday night and that is amazing news. They also saw him take a huge step towards his return to the mound. It has been a few weeks now without him and he has been sorely missed. If he rejoins the bullpen (and rotation for spot starts), they automatically become a much better team again.
The Chicago White Sox would love to see Michael Kopech return very soon.
On Friday, Michael Kopech threw a simulated game at Guaranteed Rate Field. That is amazing news for White Sox fans because they need to get him back as soon as possible. Throwing a simulated game is an incredibly important step towards coming back for a Major League pitcher. Kopech has been missing since May 26th due to a strained right hamstring.
According to Tony La Russa, he “saw some progress” which is a good sign as well. When Kopech is in the middle of the White Sox bullpen, he gives them a “starter like” option which creates problems for opponents. He is a perfect long reliever for the bullpen set up the way it is. When he comes in to relieve the starter, it is like having another one ready to go.
Kopech has been so dominant so far that he has a 1.2 WAR in just 31.1 innings. He has a 1.74 ERA to go with a 0.989 WHIP which is incredible statistics. Getting back a pitcher like that would be something else for the Chicago White Sox.
There is also a mindset thing when Kopech is available. It is the type of thing that might make others around him pitch better because they are in their proper slots. With Kopech out there in high leverage innings, it takes the pressure off some other players.
Michael Kopech throwing a sim game, Sox, eyes confirm pic.twitter.com/cSGIlU1MHC
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) June 25, 2021
Tony La Russa said he saw "excellent progress" from Michael Kopech during his sim game today. Plan is for Kopech to throw another one Monday. Sox will determine from these sim games whether he needs a rehab assignment at Charlotte or not.
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) June 25, 2021
According to La Russa, Kopech is going to throw another sim game on Monday. From there, the White Sox are going to decide whether or not Kopech is going to need a rehab assignment in Charlotte of AAA. If that is the case, he shouldn’t be down there for very long. This is all a very nice step towards his return to the big league club.
Let’s be very clear about something, the White Sox needs Michael Kopech if they want to make a deep run to the World Series. They have had some injury troubles this season so far and most of them have come on offense. If they can get quality pitching, things will be okay. Hopefully, Kopech’s return comes sooner than later and he is able to stay healthy from there.