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Chicago White Sox: Michael Kopech Dazzles In First Double-A Start

By Josh Marshall

Feb 28, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Michael Kopech (78) pitches against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Michael Kopech (78) pitches against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago White Sox prospect Michael Kopech dominated in his first Double-A start on Saturday.

The Chicago White Sox have a plethora of minor league talent at their disposal. One of those players was on display on Saturday for the Double-A Birmingham Barons.

Making his first ever start at the Double-A level, Michael Kopech looked virtually unhittable. Kopech went 4 1/3 innings, giving up three hits, two walks and 10 strikeouts. Yes y, u read that correctly. 10 strikeouts in only 4 1/3. Kopech faced a total of 18 batters.

To say that Kopech got off to the start he wanted is an understatement. He flat-out dominated on the mound. Despite giving up a solo shot in the second inning it was all Kopech.

Kopech has been the center of attention for White Sox fans since coming over from Boston in December. Fans have been enamored with his potential and powerful arm. Tonight was a sure sign of what’s to come on the South Side. If Kopech can keep pitching at this type of level and showing his dominant form it won’t be long until triple a is his next stop.

Everyone likes to talk about the acquisition of Yoan Moncada in the Chris Sale trade. In my opinion, Kopech could be the bigger piece in the trade. It’s not often that you stumble across a pitcher that has the stuff Kopech has. Developing that talent is a key factor in running a successful rebuild. At this time we all know what Moncada brings to the table and that in itself is exciting but we all need to keep our eyes glued on the Birmingham Barons and Michael Kopech.

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Don’t get me wrong, I think Moncada is going to be one heck of a ball player but pitching is a very important part of a championship team.

Even though it’s a small sample size, there is still plenty to take from Kopech’s first start of the season. The future is that much brighter on the South Side following tonight’s start and I for one am extremely excited to see Kopech continue to grow into an ace for many years to come.

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