Chicago White Sox star pitcher Michael Kopech was just 12 pitches into his start against the Texas Rangers on Sunday when he appeared to be in some discomfort. Trainers immediately rushed out to the mound, and the young starting pitcher was subsequently removed from the game. Kopech was extremely frustrated by the injury he sustained in Sunday's start, slamming the ball onto the mound as he exited the game with the training staff, according to James Fegan.
An attempt at a warm-up pitch doesn’t get past the first step. Kopech slams the ball down in the grass in frustration and leaves the mound. He leaves after getting two outs on 12 pitches.
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) June 12, 2022
After getting the green light to attempt a warm-up pitch, it was clear something was bothering Kopech, who couldn't hide his anger after being removed from his start. He had recorded two outs in the first inning through 12 pitches before the injury flared up.
This is an extremely worrying blow for the White Sox, who have been absolutely devastated by injuries early on into the year. In addition to Kopech, the White Sox are already without Lance Lynn, Tim Anderson, Aaron Bummer, Yasmani Grandal, Joe Kelly, Eloy Jimenez, Vince Velasquez, and Garret Crochet, among others. The laundry list of injuries will only be made worse by the latest blow to Kopech, who figured to have a strong outing against the strikeout-happy Rangers.
After the game, the White Sox revealed that Kopech was dealing with right knee discomfort and would be further evaluated on Sunday.
Michael Kopech left the game with right knee discomfort. He is being further evaluated.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) June 12, 2022
Things are going from bad to worse for the White Sox, who have been harshly scrutinized by fans following their recent collapses and questionable decisions from manager Tony La Russa, who already has lost the faith of supporters in Chicago.
Hopefully, Kopech's injury won't require a lengthy absence, but his immediate reaction to getting pulled from his start won't provide much optimism for the fanbase.
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