Michael Kopech Named White Sox Pitcher Of The Month

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Chicago White Sox announced on Thursday that Pitcher Michael Kopech has been named White Sox Organizational Pitcher of the Month for games being played during the month of May. Kopech made six starts in May, going 3-1 with a 2.36 ERA and struck out 47 in 35 innings pitched.
In his six starts over the course of the month of May, Kopech allowed four hits or less in every start and one run or less in four. Kopech also took a no-hitter into the sixth inning in two consecutive starts against Chattanooga and Tennessee and capped off the month with his second 10-strikeout game of the season, picking up the win against Chattanooga on Wednesday night.

"I'm a lot more comfortable with the way I'm pitching now," Kopech said of his progression during the season. "I have an approach to each and every hitter and I have plan when I go after them."
Kopech, who was acquired from the Boston Red Sox this past offseason as part of the trade for Chris Sale, is 4-2 with a 2.38 ERA overall during the 2017 season.
In 10 starts for Birmingham so far this season, Kopech has struck out 75 batters, which puts him atop the Southern League and tied for fourth overall in all of Minor League Baseball. The right-hander's 12.75 SO/9 IP and .159 batting average against is also tops in the Southern League.
"I've worked well with (Pitching Coach) Jose Bautista so far this year, he's helped me on a lot of key adjustments," Kopech added. "He's worked well to help me tweak something every now and then."
The Barons will continue their five game home stand tonight against the Chattanooga Lookouts on a Thirsty Thursday tonight at 7:05 p.m. CT with Jordan Guerrero on the mound for Birmingham. For ticket information, game schedule, promotions calendar or for additional information about Regions Field, call (205) 988-3200, or visit www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.