The Los Angeles acquired the shutdown reliever they wished on the commerce deadline within the type of Michael Kopech from the Chicago White Sox.
Kopech got here to the as a part of a three-team deal involving the St. Louis Cardinals. The acquired utility participant Tommy Edman, and minor league right-hander Oliver Gonzalez, in change for Miguel Vargas and prospects Jeral Perez and Alexander Albertus.
Because the reliever’s arrival, he has been lights-out.
In 5.1 innings of labor throughout 5 video games, Kopech has notched eight strikeouts and solely allowed one hit towards the Philadelphia Phillies.
“It’s simply actual top-end stuff,” Roberts mentioned, per Doug McKain of Nation. “It doesn’t matter, left or proper hand. He’s simply such a beast. We received him throwing that cutter going together with that 100 mph fastball, it’s an uncomfortable at-bat. So for me, the strike-throwing, he’s already all-in, purchased in. He’s undoubtedly excessive up the belief tree proper now, for certain.”
Getting out of the Southside of Chicago is the very best factor to occur to Kopech this season. Whereas he was having an excellent yr with the White Sox, he couldn’t attain his full potential whereas taking part in for the worst staff in Main League Baseball.
Kopech had a second earlier this season that the majority pitchers dream of – an immaculate inning. It got here on July 10 towards the Minnesota Twins and he struck out three consecutive batters utilizing the minimal variety of pitches. The feat has solely been completed 114 occasions in baseball historical past.
The veteran additionally grew to become simply the second White Sox pitcher to perform the uncommon feat, the primary being Sloppy Thurston in 1923.
In components of 5 seasons with the White Sox, Kopech maintained a 4.38 ERA whereas accumulating 416 strikeouts throughout 376 innings.
Kopech was drafted by the Boston Purple Sox in 2014 and was moved to Chicago in 2016. He made his big-league debut on Aug. 21, 2018.
With the entire accidents to the pitching employees this season, Kopech has been a breath of contemporary air. He’s throwing absolute gasoline and has been practically unhittable.
The want each wholesome bullpen arm able to shut down opponents as they cling to their 3.5-game lead within the NL West over the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks.
Photograph Credit score: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports activities
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