Late Friday afternoon, the team announced that their top pitching prospect had made the decision not to play this year.
Add White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech to the list of players opting out of the 2020 baseball season. Late Friday afternoon, the team announced that their top pitching prospect had made the decision not to play this year.
“Michael Kopech has informed us of his decision to not participate in the 2020 season,” general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement Friday. “We recognize that reaching this decision is incredibly difficult for any competitive athlete, and our organization is understanding and supportive. We will work with Michael to assure his development continues throughout 2020, and we look forward to welcoming him back into our clubhouse for the 2021 season.”
Kopech has not pitched since September 2018, when an elbow injury meant he needed Tommy John surgery and cost him the 2019 season as he recovered. He was expected to be fully recovered and able to pitch at the major league level this season.
Before spring training was shut down due to COVID-19 concerns, Kopech had pitched one inning on March 10. In that inning, six of his pitches were 100 mph or higher, so Kopech looked on track to contribute to the White Sox this season.
The plan for Kopech, before the virus stopped the season and then eventually shortened it to 60 games, was for him to start the year at Triple-A Charlotte to build up his arm and prepare to rejoin the major league club.
