Now a one-way sensation, Ohtani still does damage against Chicago White Sox
Barring a miraculous reversal when he gets a second opinion, Chicago White Sox rookie starting pitcher Michael Kopech is facing Tommy John surgery that is going to keep him out until the 2020 season.
A somber Kopech discussed his fate Friday, and 30 minutes later Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani was answering similar questions in the visitors' dugout at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Like Kopech, Ohtani has a damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching (right) elbow and is facing surgery.
In his first major-league season after leaving his native Japan and signing with Los Angeles, Ohtani wouldn't be able to pitch again for a full year. He continues to swing the bat.
Scratched from Sunday's scheduled start after experiencing more elbow discomfort, Ohtani (4-2, 3.31 ERA in 10 starts) still managed to go 4-for-11 with 1 home run and 6 RBI in the Angels' three-game series sweep over the White Sox.
"I think anybody who is a fan of baseball likes to see somebody as exciting as he is," Sox manager Rick Renteria said. "I think once he's recovered ultimately from whatever they do to correct his arm, it's interesting to see a guy that can do a lot of different things.
"He can hit, he can run. Obviously he's capable of pitching. It's a unique skill he has on both sides of the baseball."
Matt Davidson is the White Sox's designated hitter, and he also plays third base and first base.
Davidson has made 3 relief appearances in blowout losses this season. While pitching 3 scoreless innings and flashing an impressive fastball and curve, Davidson has expressed interest in a regular relief-pitching role.
It has been discussed, but not at a serious level.
"There's a logistics aspect to it," Renteria said. "If Matty is playing first base and I have to get him ready to pick up an inning, when do I find the time to get him ready to put in that inning? As a starter, you know he's going to start that day. That would be the only thing you would have to consider."
Something wild:
It was a rough night Saturday for rookie reliever Thyago Vieira.
Not only did the right-hander allow 2 runs on 2 hits and 1 walk in the ninth innings, he threw 3 wild pitches.
While he can run his fastball up to 100 mph, Vieira is 1-1 with a 10.22 ERA in 13 appearances since joining the White Sox's bullpen from Class AAA Charlotte in late July.
"He's got to keep getting the opportunity," manager Rick Renteria said. "He's got to see what he's capable of doing. We are trying to find windows like (Saturday) to continue to allow him an opportunity to work. He's had some good days and bad days. Still a work in progress."