White Sox flamethrower Kopech opts out of season
The Chicago White Sox will be without right-hander Michael Kopech when the 2020 MLB season gets underway after the flamethrower informed team general manager Rick Hahn that he's opting out of the campaign.
"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," Hahn said in a statement Friday.
Kopech, 24, sat out the entire 2019 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery and was slated to be ready in time for MLB's postponed Opening Day.
The White Sox acquired Kopech in a package of prospects from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Chris Sale prior to the 2017 season.
Kopech made his MLB debut in 2018, throwing 14 1/3 innings over four starts and authoring a 5.02 ERA.
In late June, when MLB first mandated the 60-game season, Hahn said that Kopech could make a significant impact for the club, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com.
Without Kopech, Chicago's rotation should still be comprised of Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel, Gio Gonzalez, Reynaldo Lopez, and Dylan Cease.