Michael Kopech, after just 14 1/3 inning pitched at the major league level, has a UCL tear and will likely undergo Tommy John surgery, missing the rest of this season and likely all of 2019, the team announced Friday.
Kopech has UCL tear. Recommendation is Tommy John
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) September 7, 2018
There is no silver lining here. Kopech’s ascent to the majors was the most exciting aspect of the 2018 season and his potential to become an ace-level starting pitcher is one of, if not arguably the most important factor in the White Sox rebuild bearing fruit.
That potential is still there, but a year off and elbow injury makes that even more uncertain than ever.
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