White Sox prized pitching prospect Michael Kopech will not pitch for the team this season, the club announced Friday.
The Sox were not forthcoming about the reason why, only to say it’s a personal matter for the 23-year-old right-hander. White Sox General Manager Rick Hahn issued the following statement Friday:
“Michael Kopech has informed us of his decision to not participate in the 2020 season. 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, and we look forward to welcoming him back into our clubhouse for the 2021 season.”
Hahn announced on the first day of camp that Kopech was absent due to a personal matter. The Sox said Friday that Kopech’s decision was related to those same reasons, and as the first week of camp passed without Kopech in Chicago it became apparent he would not begin the abbreviated 60-game season with the team.
Kopech has not publicly been heard from, so whether his decision is related to coronavirus fears is not known. Kopech has been contact with the front office but according to sources, he hasn’t responded to teammates trying to reach him.
Kopech is coming off Tommy John surgery, and he appeared to be back at full strength when last seen. He touched 100 mph on several pitches in his only outing of spring training against the Texas Rangers in March, and was continuing to throw in Arizona after the shutdown due to the coronavirus.
To alleviate fears that a physical issue — with coronavirus concerns surrounding all summer camps — Hahn on Friday emphasized that Kopech is healthy.
“It’s never ideal when any individual is dealing with off-field matters,” Hahn said then. “It’s easy to lose sight of the fact you’re dealing with human beings who have lives, families and the same assortment of items to attend to that people have. This is obviously a very unique time we’re all living through.
“I’m not going to get more specific than that, other than to say we fully support Michael and are going to provide him whatever time and resources he needs, and look forward to seeing him in the future.”
Kopech has been open about past issues with anxiety and depression, and learning to deal with them. During spring training, he said he was in a good place emotionally, and was celebrating his Jan. 4 marriage to actress Vanessa Morgan. Kopech’s addition to a starting rotation mix of Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel, Reynaldo Lopez, Carlos Rodon, Dylan Cease and Gio Gonzalez could have been a significant addition, considering how he was throwing during the spring.
Kopech was acquired with Yoan Moncada and Luis Basabe from the White Sox in the Chris Sale trade. He pitched in four games last season, posting a 5.02 ERA, a number that was likely affected by pitching with pain in his elbow.
This is a developing story.
