Los Angeles common supervisor Brandon Gomes has put any uncertainty relating to reliever Michael Kopech to relaxation.
Bob Nightengale of USA At present Sports activities beforehand reported the hard-throwing right-hander would miss the primary month of the season because of an arm harm, nevertheless it seems Gomes doesn’t know the place that report got here from.
“Kopy’s throwing and going via his offseason coaching program and he’s like everyone else,” Gomes mentioned on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast. “As guys are available, we’re gonna see the place they’re at and ensuring they’re progressing properly however yeah, I’m undecided the place the he’s undoubtedly lacking a month. We’re getting experiences that Kopy’s throwing and feeling actually good.”
Kopech proved to be a significant commerce deadline acquisition for the in 2024. Acquired from the White Sox in a three-team deal, Kopech delivered an distinctive efficiency down the stretch.
Over 24 innings within the second half of the season, he recorded a stellar 1.13 ERA, struck out 33 % of the batters he confronted, and generated swinging strikes on 15.8 % of his pitches.
His playoff efficiency, nevertheless, revealed some challenges.
Regardless of permitting solely three runs over 9 innings, Kopech issued seven walks whereas hanging out 10. His 98-99 MPH fastball retained its traditional effectiveness, however The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya and Ken Rosenthal famous that he pitched via some discomfort in the course of the postseason.
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Kopech made 43 appearances for the White Sox in 2024, posting a 2-8 document and a 4.74 ERA. He transformed 9 of 14 save possibilities, recording 59 strikeouts and issuing 24 walks.
After becoming a member of the within the commerce, Kopech rapidly turned a dominant presence on the mound. In 24 regular-season appearances with Los Angeles, he went 4-0. He additionally efficiently transformed all six of his save alternatives, hanging out 29 batters whereas strolling simply 10.
The forearm irritation Kopech gave the impression to be coping with appears extra like a scenario to observe than a big situation.
Whereas Nightengale initially reported that Kopech would possibly start the season on the injured checklist, Gomes was fast to dismiss that in his interview.
Photograph Credit score: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Photographs
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