Michael Kopech first White Sox to drop out of 2020 season

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 05: Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Michael Kopech (34) delivers the ball against the Detroit Tigers on September 5, 2018 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire)

When Michael Kopech was excused from the start of training camp with no specifics given, one had to allow for the chance that Kopech wouldn’t be seen at all in 2020.

Sure enough, the White Sox indeed announced that Kopech is the first player to remove himself from the proceedings. Rick Hahn’s brief statement included no further specifics:

“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.”

Hopefully Kopech reveals the circumstances behind his choice soon. It’s not that he needs to defend his decision to anybody, but more that his previous battles with anxiety and depression generate a wider range of worries.

Kopech’s absence obviously deals a blow to the White Sox’s pitching depth. Not only did Kopech possess the team’s strongest arm, but the gap between his mediocre projections and his substantial ceiling made his rotation spot one of the easiest ways to beat the math. The White Sox still have five starters without him, and a sixth one in Carlos Rodón, so maybe the bigger concern is less immediate, and more that Kopech will not have thrown a competitive pitch since 2018 whenever he does return to a mound.

As for the other mystery man, the White Sox placed Yoán Moncada on the 10-day injured list, along with José Ruiz. That’s a different list from the COVID-19 one, as COVID cases can be removed from the roster without a public announcement. Then again, the White Sox announced two anonymous positive COVID-19 tests, neither player has been seen during training camp, no injuries were given with the announcement, and the White Sox have a quarter of their 60-man player pool still vacant, which makes the COVID-19 list unnecessary at this juncture.

(Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire)

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Shingos Cheeseburgers

Certainly disappointing but entirely understandable. As you mention I’d love to hear his position as it may empower others that feel timid about it and are afraid to speak out but no one aside from himself is entitled to that explanation. Feeling blessed I was there in March for his 1IP of Spring ball.

iowasox1971

I fully support the decisions by Kopech and Buster Posey to opt out. Anyone who doesn’t want to play this season can do the same thing. Each man’s reason might be different, and some might not be publicized, but that’s OK.

What’s also true is that each MLB player who wants to play this season, and earn extra pay, has the right to do so. For those who automatically say “cancel everything,” please remember that tens of millions of other non-essential workers in the U.S. are back on the job as well.

Shingos Cheeseburgers

Not sure what’s worse here: Coop’s unfounded speculation or the fact someone decided it was worthy of publishing.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2020/7/11/21321434/pitching-coach-don-cooper-on-michael-kopech-i-sure-hope-hes-ok