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VIDEO: Michael Kopech Throwing 100 MPH in First Spring Start Should Have White Sox Fans Pumped

By Will Coleman

White Sox pitching prospect Michael Kopech, left, delivers a 100 MPH pitch in his first start since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2018.
White Sox pitching prospect Michael Kopech, left, delivers a 100 MPH pitch in his first start since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2018. /

After a long road from recovery, the Chicago White Sox announced pitching prospect Michael Kopech would make his return to the mound for Tuesday's Spring Training tilt against the Texas Rangers. The right-handed pitcher burst onto the scene toward the end of 2018 MLB season before undergoing Tommy John surgergy which sidelined him all of last year. It took just one batter for us to realize how little the injury affected Kopech's incredible arm strength, though, as he was painting triple-digits from the get go.

That's the zip that has resulted in Kopech being heralded as one of baseball's most exciting prospects. White Sox fans have been patiently awaiting the arrival of the hard-throwing right-hander, and that forbearance is being duly rewarded.

The 23-year old was limited to just one inning of action Tuesday, but he certainly made the most of it. Kopech retired the side in order with ease and even got first baseman Greg Bird to strikeout looking to end the inning. His first four pitchers, however, are what made his first outing back from injury most impressive.

It's unclear if Kopech will crack Chicago's 26-man Opening Day roster due to potential setbacks with his throwing arm and the need to stretch back out to longer outings, but this is a phenomenal sign for White Sox fans and the future of their pitching staff.