Michael Kopech flashed his brilliance in rain-shortened MLB debut

In Michael Kopech’s first MLB start he flashed signs of brilliance but ultimately left fans wanting more in a rain-shortened two-inning start.

When you imagine your MLB debut you never expect to go just two innings as a starting pitcher. But that’s what happened to Michael Kopech in the first start of his career as a Chicago White Sox pitcher.

It wasn’t Kopech’s fault. He didn’t get shelled, he didn’t get hurt, it was mother nature that intervened. A near one-hour rain delay ended Kopech’s night after just two innings of work.

In those two innings, Kopech, who was acquired in the Chris Sale trade, showed off why he is such a valued prospect. Through two frames, Kopech didn’t allow a single run and he struck out four batters.

In his two innings of work, he allowed three hits but worked around the trouble he got himself in. His pitch count was rather high after two innings, 52 pitches, which is why he didn’t return after the rain cleared.

Part of the reason why the pitch count was so high was because of the strikeouts. Everyone knows that he throws hard, but it’s spin rate that’s elite.

Only Justin Verlander’s spin rate is anywhere close to Kopech’s. The 22-year-old had a lot of strikeouts at the AAA level this year before his debut. In 24 starts, he had 170 strikeouts which is about seven strikeouts per start.

If his velocity remains this high and his spin rate stays at this level consistency he’s going to be one of the best young strikeout artists in the game.

One thing that Kopech is criticized for is his control. Although he didn’t walk anyone in his debut he struggled with walks in the minors. In his career, Kopech averaged 4.4 walks per nine innings. That’s something he’s going to have to get straightened out.

Overall, White Sox fans were left wanting more in a debut that showed flashes of brilliance. The excitement is warranted and fans on the South side of Chicago should be excited to watch him the rest of the season.