Michael kopech finding A rhythm
Photo by Phil Long (Getty Images)
There were many question marks surrounding the Chicago White Sox’s starting staff entering 2023. With no major additions during the offseason and a disappointing year in 2022, it would be the in house talent that needed to perfrom better. One of these players being Michael Kopech. He opened the 2023 season in an underwhelming fashion. In his first 8 starts, he posted a Win-Loss record of 1-4 with an Earned Run Average (ERA) of 5.74 over 41.2 innings. His Strikeouts per 9 innings (K/9) was a respectable 8.72 but his command was very shaky. His walks per 9 innings (B/9) was the second highest in the league at 5.26, only behind Jack Flaherty.
Expectations were high for Michael Kopech and he wasn’t living up to them, leaving many White Sox fans disappointed. But from May 19th to June 5th, Michael Kopech has looked like a completely different pitcher. In that timeframe, Michael Kopech has made 4 starts accumilation a 2-1 record with a staggering 2.05 ERA. The key change identified in this stretch are Michael’s strikeout & walk numbers. His K/9 skyrocketed up to 12.99, the 3rd highest in the majors over the span. His B/9 down at 1.37.
Whenever a pitcher is able to decrease free passes given and increase their ability to miss bats, immediate sucess can be seen in the their run prevention. Kopech’s Pitch Arsenal primarily revolves around a fastball that averages close to 96 miles per hour (MPH) that he throws 63% of the time and a slider thrown 24% of the time according to BaseballSavant.com. His elite command of both pitches his last 4 starts breaks the notion that the smaller the pitch arsenal a picther has, the less successful he will be. The art of pitching revolves around command and Kopech is getting better and better at it.
If Michael Kopech can continue this ace-like form, we may see him be a representative in the All-Star game but most importantly, the White Sox will look like a true contender. His next start comes against the red hot Miami Marlins on June 10th.
