Chicago White Sox's Kopech brings heat in minor-league debut
Michael Kopech wasted little time showing why he's such a prized pitching prospect for the Chicago White Sox.
One of four minor-leaguers acquired from the Boston Red Sox in the Chris Sale trade, the 20-year-old Kopech had himself quite a debut Saturday night against Jackson.
In 4⅓ innings for Class AA Birmingham, Kopech had 10 strikeouts while allowing 2 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks. Kopech struck out the side in the second, third and fourth innings.
"I'm excited about it," said Kopech, who spent most of last season with high Class A Salem in the Red Sox's system. "It was just good to get that first start under my belt."
Kopech ran his fastball up to 102 mph against Jackson, but he was not happy with his changeup or overly impressed with the strikeout total.
"Strikeout numbers are always fun, but my approach was more to work on off-speed stuff," Kopech said. "I lost the feel for the changeup and realized early it wasn't quite where it should be, so I started trying to put people away with the fastball/slider and it worked out.
"I think that's kind of the pitcher I am. I'm always going to be a guy that throws hard. It's good to know I have that if I need it. If I need to put somebody away with the fastball I know for the most part I can put it by people."
Rough debut:
Unlike Michael Kopech, pitching prospect Lucas Giolito did not fare well in his first start of the season.
Acquired from the Washington Nationals in the Adam Eaton trade, Giolito took the mound for Class AAA Charlotte on Saturday night and allowed 5 runs (4 earned) on 6 hits and 2 walks in 4⅓ innings.
Giolito also hit 3 Norfolk batters.
Getting rusty:
Dylan Covey is the White Sox's fifth starter, but he still hasn't pitched this season thanks to two rainouts during the first week.
To stay sharp, Covey was sent back to extended spring training, and he threw 85 pitches in a game Saturday.
Covey should get his first start of the season Friday or Saturday when the Sox play at Minnesota.
"I think he's continued to work, even with some of the rough weather we've had," manager Rick Renteria said. "He came in and threw a side here. He threw that stint in Arizona. He's stayed focused. I don't know that it's affected him too much other than he just hasn't been on the field competing against the other guys. He's still competing against himself and doing the things he wants to do."