The Chicago White Sox have seen enough injuries to their young stars this season. They don't need another one.
But fans were left holding their collective breath as Michael Kopech hobbled off the field at the conclusion of the top of the seventh inning Wednesday afternoon.
The flame-thrower, who missed the last two seasons — 2019 while recovering from Tommy John surgery and 2020 due to personal reasons — fell on the mound after delivering the final pitch of the inning, which was popped up and caught. He limped off the field and into the dugout, something apparently bothering some part of his leg.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
RELATED: Sox watch Liam Hendriks unleash the 'absolute beast'
It's very much the last thing anyone wanted to see happen to Kopech after he worked his way back from such a long injury layoff. His initial arrival on the South Side immediately interrupted by the injury that necessitated the surgery, his being a regular contributor for the White Sox has been a long time coming.
And he's been excellent since becoming just that this season, a dangerous weapon out of the bullpen and an effective spot starter who has shown why the White Sox are so bullish on his long-term future as a member of the starting rotation.
MLB
Already without outfielders and middle-of-the-order bats Eloy Jiménez and Luis Robert for months, the White Sox can hardly afford any more significant injuries as they continue to pursue their championship-level goals in 2021.
Click here to subscribe to the White Sox Talk Podcast for free.