Michael Kopech is still in the minor leagues after a slew of promotions in the White Sox farm system hit the airwaves today. Kopech discussed his latest start on Wednesday after the game.
It's been a rough stretch for #CLTKnights P Michael Kopech lately, but he put together a decent performance tonight after struggling early. His thoughts postgame. @SoxMachine @FutureSox pic.twitter.com/Gspg7jjo0Q
— Jonathan Lee (@followmefor3) June 21, 2018
He finished after the fifth inning allowing three runs — two earned — with six strikeouts and four walks. Kopech certainly struggled with his command again, but he fought through early adversity and showed some Moxey.
Director of Player Development Chris Getz added a few thoughts on Kopech on Thursday afternoon.
Getz on Kopech: "He’s going to find his way to the big leagues. He’s going to be an impact frontline type starter. I’m very confident in that."
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) June 21, 2018
More Getz on Kopech: "Just like a lot of great players, sometimes it’s a meandering path. And to say that he’s gone off track is not fair because it’s only been a couple of outings.
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) June 21, 2018
More Getz on Kopech: "I think he’s in a really good spot. If he builds off of this, I don’t think it’s unfair to think he’ll be up here at some point."
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) June 21, 2018
And by at “some point” Getz is considered to have meant this season.
Getz on Kopech: "If he builds off what he did last night, commanding fastball–his breaking pitches continue to define themselves–we have a chance to see him [in Chi in '18]. He's going to find his way to big leagues. I'm very confident he's going to be a frontline type starter'
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) June 21, 2018
Syncing up the body is key for all pitchers. Lucas Giolito is going through a similar struggle right now where Giolito tends to let his shoulders fly open before his bottom half is anchored. Kopech has a more linear delivery and bigger body where Giolito is wiry and loose. Still, the premise holds that both pitchers have to synch their deliveries.
As for when we can expect Kopech to the bigs? My guess is that once he strings together a few dominant performances of the kind we saw earlier in the season, he could be bumped soon thereafter. I’ve been saying it since the beginning of the season that White Sox brass want to see him respond to adversity before pushing him through, and the past month has witnessed that moment. Now, Kopech has to emerge from his trouble and get back to dealing.
