Kopech throws for first time since Tommy John surgery

When he is throwing at this time a year from now, he'll be gearing up for the 2020 season.

Top pitching prospect Michael Kopech did some throwing Tuesday, and it was news for a different reason.

"Today is like that milestone, that first little hurdle to jump before everything starts to take off," Kopech said in a video released by the White Sox. "Ultimately, a year from now, I know that I'm going to be better because of all these minor tweaks. And these tweaks are going to be what makes me the type of pitcher I want to become in the future, which is top-of-the-rotation caliber and a pitcher that helps us win a World Series."

While he's been ruled out for the upcoming season after having Tommy John surgery on Sept. 19, throwing for the first time on Tuesday at the Sox's spring training complex in Glendale, Ariz., can only help Kopech's morale.

"One of the biggest hurdles is sort of the psychological side of things when guys miss a year, especially through Tommy John," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. "The rehab is slow and tedious, and for the early points sort of unsatisfying because you're not really letting it go or showing that you're back to being the guy that you're capable of being.

"Michael's work ethic is so strong, so from a commitment to the program standpoint I've got zero worries. Could you conceivably get bored from time to time? Yeah, and we're going to continue to have him in touch with guys who've gone through it before."

Kopech joined the Sox's starting rotation on Aug. 21 last season and he pitched well until allowing 7 runs over 3⅓ innings against the Tigers on Sept. 5. He hurt his elbow in the start.

To see video of Kopech throwing on Tuesday, click here