(670 The Score) Because a role hadn't yet been defined for him, it's difficult to explain exactly what the loss of fireballing right-hander Michael Kopech for the entire 2020 season means for the White Sox.
The White Sox could be down a talented youngster who would've been a frontline starter by season's end. They could be missing a power arm that would've been used in a number of different roles out of the bullpen.
In any case, the White Sox lost a key part of their pitching depth and a player with the potential to raise their ceiling when the 24-year-old Kopech informed them Friday that he'll be sitting out this season. No specific reason was cited by the team in announcing his absence, and his White Sox teammates aren't preoccupied with the why. They want what's best for Kopech and will welcome him back when he's ready, which is now expected to be 2021.
"We are dealing with a lot of different situations during this global pandemic," White Sox reliever Aaron Bummer said on Inside the Clubhouse on Saturday morning. "There is so much more going on in people's lives. Just speculating on what's going on in your life, my life or Michael's life, I think, is an unfair thing to do. We support Michael, and we support all of the guys who choose to sit out. They have that right and we wish them all of the best."
The White Sox's starting rotation has been coming into a clearer focus in the first week of summer camp, and Kopech wasn't going to be a part of it to start the season as he missed the first week of work before communicating his decision to sit out. Lucas Giolito and Dallas Keuchel will lead the staff, with Reynaldo Lopez and Dylan Cease projected to hold rotation spots as well. Carlos Rodon is ramping up his workload well after recovering from Tommy John surgery, and Gio Gonzalez has expressed his willingness to fill any role needed -- whether it's as a No. 5 starter or a long reliever.
The White Sox believe their bullpen will be one of their biggest strengths. Bummer and closer Alex Colome are coming off strong 2019 seasons, and they added veteran Steve Cishek in free agency as well. Still, Kopech's absence will hurt, as he had the appearance of someone who could handle multiple roles if needed and be a dangerous weapon.
Kopech hasn't pitched in an MLB regular-season game since Sept. 5, 2018, after which he underwent Tommy John surgery. He missed all of 2019 while rehabbing. He threw one dominant inning in Cactus League play in early March in his first appearance against big league competition in 18 months. In that short stint, he threw six fastballs at 100 miles per hour or faster.
The psychological lift that a healthy, locked-in Kopech gave the White Sox players, coaches and front office was palpable. Now four months later after the aborted spring training, Kopech's future on the baseball field will be backed up eight months or so before another opportunity presents itself.
Before the pandemic halted spring training in March, the plan was for Kopech to begin his season at Triple-A Charlotte. The idea was that he would slowly build up his arm strength and innings workload. From there, the plan was to promote him to the big leagues as a weapon for manager Rick Renteria to use in whatever way the team saw fit and needed.
The White Sox have been really careful in handling the physical and psychological well-being of Kopech, who has been open about his struggles with mental health issues. They still have a unique talent and potential force for the future, and they'll continue to support him in every way possible.
"We wish Michael the best," Bummer said. "We hope that when he does come back, he is ready to go. For right now, Michael did what's right for Michael. I support him 100%."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
