Michael Kopech is getting used to his new reliever role with the Chicago White Sox.
Judging from his first appearance in the Cactus League, it looks like he’s going to be fine.
The talented right-hander worked out a perfect fourth inning Tuesday against the San Diego Padres. It was his first game since abstaining from the shortened coronavirus campaign for a variety of reasons, including concerns about his mental health.
“Obviously some time has passed,” Kopech said. “But it felt good to get rid of some of the rust, go back and race.”
The 24-year-old Kopech, one of the major pitching prospects in the major leagues, served as a starter during his rise through the minor leagues and could at some point return to Chicago’s rotation. However, the year is expected to start in the bullpen.
Part of his preseason job involves acquiring more speed when he returns as a reliever.
“If I’m pitching out of the bullpen for at least part of this year and maybe all season, I need to be a guy who’s ready to race, with running backs in scoring position,” he said.
The Padres beat the White Sox 4-2.
METS 5, CARDINALS 3
Taijuan Walker made his first start for the New York Mets, striking out Matt Carpenter and Nolan Gorman in a perfect first inning, before allowing an RBI single by Andrew Knizner and a sacrifice fly by Edmundo Sosa in the second.
Walker likes to use the number 00 but he won’t be able to do it in New York since that’s the number of the mascot Mr. Met. He is the first Mets player to wear the 99 since Turk Wendell carried it from 1997 to 2001.
Wendell, who used to wear a shark tooth necklace, gifted a similar ornament to Walker.
“I’ll try to use it for him and the fans at my next start,” Walker said.
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For a few minutes, Lindor plays a cameraman during the Mets’ spring training game.
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PIRATES 10, BRAVES 1
Starter Steven Brault and the Pittsburgh Pirates staff fell within one out of throwing a no-hitter. Phillip Ervin thwarted the attempt with a single off Nick Mears in the ninth with two outs.
Atlanta Braves newcomer Drew Smyly was wrecked by allowing five runs and eight hits in two innings, during which he walked.
INDIANS 9, RANGERS 2
Slugger Joey Gallo hit his fifth home run in six preseason games with Texas Rangers, off Aaron Civale. He’s hitting .429 (6-for-14) with a double and nine RBIs.
Daniel Johnson improved his chances in a crowded competition for outfielder spots in the Cleveland Indians, hitting a pair of home runs, while Bobby Bradley had three RBIs.
TWINS 1, ORIOLES 0 (7 INNINGS)
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The Dominican drove in the only run of the game against the Orioles with a double in the seventh inning.
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Kenta Maeda allowed one hit in three innings for the Minnesota Twins, and struck out four in his second start. He has fanned seven in five scoreless innings this preseason, allowing two hits and no walking.
The Dominican Miguel Sanó drove the only run of the match with a double.
TIGERS 6, YANKEES 5
Gary Sanchez hit his third home run for the New York Yankees, and Jay Bruce hit his second. Dominican Deivi Garcia pitched three scoreless innings in what was his second start for the Yankees.
Puerto Rican Willi Castro homered for the Detroit Tigers.
BREWERS 13, GIANTS 7
Venezuelan Avisaíl Garcia, who lost 30 pounds during the offseason and is hitting .500 this preseason, hit a home run. On the next shift, Christian Yelich did the same for the Milwaukee Brewers.
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Yelich hits his first home run in spring training when the Milwaukee beat the Giants 13-7.
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Alex Wood worked two innings for the San Francisco Giants as a starter, and received a home run from Venezuelan Omar Narváez.
BLUE JAYS 4, PHILLIES 1
Steven Matz, in his first season with the Toronto Blue Jays after six years with the New York Mets, allowed a hit over three scoreless innings, during which he struck out three.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr hit a sacrifice fly for Marcus Semien to score.
RAYS 11, RED SOX 3
Cuba’s Yandy Díaz, Ji-Man Choi and Willy Adames hit RBI singles for the Tampa Bay Rays. Closer Nick Anderson handled the fourth episode perfectly.
CUBS 9, ATHLETICS 8 (7)
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A fan manages to catch Joc Pederson’s third homer without a glove in spring training.
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Joc Pederson hit his third home run for the Chicago Cubs and Rafael Ortega hit a grand slam. Reliever Craig Kimbrel solved one inning and allowed a home run to Matt Chapman.
ROCKIES 11, DIAMONDBACKS 2 (8)
Ryan McMahon and Trevor Story each hit home runs for the Colorado Rockies. CJ Cron had a close homer and a pair of doubles.
MARINERS 6, ROYALS 3
Dylan Moore and Ty France hit home runs in a row early in the game off Kansas City Royals starter Danny Duffy.
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