GLENDALE, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- Facing big league hitters in game action for the first time since 2018, White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech was back in his element Tuesday.
Kopech threw a perfect inning against the Rangers in Cactus League play as he returned to the mound after a long rehab and recovery process from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in September 2018 and which caused him to miss the entire 2019 season.
"This is the first step," Kopech said. "It feels nice to compete again -- 18 months out, I feel I have not had a chance to compete. Having that chance today, even in a short stint, was really nice for me."
The 23-year-old Kopech needed just 11 pitches to navigate the inning, and seven of them registered 100 miles per hour or more on the radar gun. He struck out one batter in an impressive spring debut all around.
"I might have been a little geeked," Kopech said. "First two pitches, I felt I was a little out of control. On my third pitch, I took a little breath and got back into control again. I still had a lot of adrenaline going.
"After the first batter, I felt really good settling in and just hitting the glove. Even with my curveball and slider, I felt I could throw it pretty much where I wanted to. I was able to throw my stuff with conviction and hit everywhere I wanted to."
The golden arm of the White Sox's farm system before his MLB debut in August 2018, Kopech struck out 514 batters in 395 2/3 innings in his minor league career. He then made four starts in the big leagues before getting hurt.
While he flashed his velocity in his return Tuesday, Kopech isn't making it a point to hit 100 miles per hour.
"I still think going ahead that it was more about adrenaline today," Kopech said. "I don't think typically I will be throwing as hard as today. I am proud of what I did today, I am proud of it. But moving forward, I don't want to be a power pitcher. I just want to be a pitcher."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
