The White Sox announced that right-hander Michael Kopech underwent surgery on his right meniscus on Thursday, with The Athletic’s James Fegan reporting that Kopech suffered a tear. According to the Sox, Kopech is expected to be ready for the start of Spring Training.
Kopech was already on the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation, and he previously missed time in late August and early September due to a left knee strain. His right knee was the issue this time, and Kopech made to make an early exit from a start in June due to soreness in that same knee, with Kopech saying that he felt a small twinge or popping sensation. However, Kopech was on the mound seven days later, and while tests at the time didn’t reveal any structural problems, it is possible the tear developed as Kopech continued to pitch over the rest of the season.
Since Kopech already wasn’t expected to pitch again in 2022, it seems like the decision was made to get the meniscus surgery over with early, to give the righty as much time as possible to recover heading into next season. The team’s statement specified that Kopech wasn’t expected to be facing any limitations when he gets onto the mound at Chicago’s spring camp in February.
Now that Kopech’s 2022 season is officially complete, he can look back on his first season as a starting pitcher as something of a mixed bag. In terms of pure bottom-line results, Kopech had a 3.54 ERA, though he was greatly helped by a .229 BABIP. This good fortune helped Kopech overcome one of the sport’s worst walk rates (11.5%), as well as below-average hard-hit ball and strikeout rates.
In the bigger picture, Kopech’s two IL stints and now this knee surgery add to a health history that is already rather lengthy. He underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2019, and between that rehab and his decision to opt out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns, Kopech went two full seasons without pitching. The White Sox eased the former top prospect back into things by using him mostly as a reliever in 2021, before stretching him out for 119 1/3 innings as a starter this year.
Provided that none of his recent injuries result in any setbacks, Kopech should be set to build on that innings total as a member of Chicago’s rotation in 2023. He’ll also enter salary arbitration for the first of three trips this winter, and Kopech is slated to enter free agency following the 2025 season.
That Chris Sale trade is tilting in favor of the Red Sox.. Moncada and Kopech can’t seem to stay healthy. Chris Sale the past couple years hasn’t been healthy but Sale got his ring. There’s still time for the ChiSox both are still fairly young. I remember people saying Kopech is the future ace of the franchise. That’s now Cease’s title. I always thought he was overrated but I’m a believer now. Although I’m a Tigers fan the ChiSox holds a place in me since my cousin was a pitcher for them.
Moncada is not worth keeping in the starting lineup. He barely gives any effort when the temperature in Chicago is on the cooler side. The white Sox owe him at least $40M over the 2023-2024 seasons. He is lethargic.
In other words, they really can’t trade him. Not to mention they don’t have anyone to replace him either.
I agree. He seems lazy, uninspired and gloomy. Besides, he’s another one that always hurt. I think if that were not the case, and he played everyday, he would be a lot better in the field and at the plate. However, he does seem uninterested or looks defeated most of the time. Maybe he still has Covid.
As of right now, Chris is the biggest winner, he got a ring (by Boston cheating)? AND got a BIG payday (And has been getting injured\rehabbing most of his time since then). Money for nothing and checks for free. LOL
Let’s just hope that Reinsdorf doesn’t use the same DR’s that they used on Lonzo Ball or it’s 2024.
Alarming drop in strikeout rate coupled with sore shoulder. Hopefully can rehab his knees and with healthy legs not only regain his strikeout power but also avoid shoulder injury.