Michael Kopech Exits Game In First Inning With Knee Injury

The White Sox cannot catch a break. White Sox starter Michael Kopech departed his start against the Rangers early on Sunday afternoon start after retiring the first two batters he faced. It was ruled as right knee discomfort and he will undergo further evaluation on Monday.

Kopech uncorked a 3-1 pitch to Adolis Garcia then winced in pain after planting his leg awkwardly on the release. He hobbled around the mound for a bit until Tony La Russa and trainer Josh Fallin rushed in to check on him. Kopech then tried to throw a warmup pitch but was in too much pain to even release the ball. He put his arms on his head in disbelief before slamming the ball into the grass in frustration as he walked off the field.

The timing could not have been much worse. The White Sox needed Kopech to go deep into the game because of how heavily their bullpen has been used this past week.

Reynaldo Lopez replaced him and threw 1.1 scoreless innings before making way for Johnny Cueto. Cueto was initially scheduled to start Monday’s game against Detroit but with the White Sox bullpen in shambles, he offered his services to eat up innings. The White Sox will now need to find a spot starter for Monday’s game.

Kopech has been the best pitcher in the White Sox rotation this season. He was also in the conversation for the best pitcher in baseball. In 11 starts he owned a 1.92 ERA with 51 strikeouts and a 0.93 WHIP.

His total ERA against first-place teams this season is 1.13. After throwing six scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers last Tuesday he improved his ERA to 1.13 against first-place teams. This includes seven scoreless innings against the Yankees in the Bronx.

Lance Lynn was set to return to the starting rotation on Tuesday. His addition would put the White Sox starting rotation in the conversation for the best in baseball.

But Kopech adds another injury to a series of unfortunate blows to the White Sox roster. Garret Crochet underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery in Spring Training. Yasmani Grandal limped off the field Saturday and is likely to miss a few games. Eloy Jimenez had his rehab stint paused, and Tim Anderson continues to sit on the IL with a strained groin.

Aaron Bummer was also placed on the IL with a left lat strain. The White Sox should have more information regarding Kopech in the coming days.