White Sox starting pitcher Michael Kopech is the latest player who will be skipping the season. Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech opts out of 2020 MLB season

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/10/20

The Chicago White Sox will have to wait longer to see pitcher Michael Kopech back on the bump following Tommy John surgery.

On Friday, the White Sox confirmed that the 24-year-old right-hander is opting out of playing amid the worsening coronavirus pandemic.

pic.twitter.com/KQJGhKdvYt
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 10, 2020

White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said:

"Michael Kopech has informed us of his decision to not participate in the 2020 season. We recognize that reaching this decision is incredibly difficult for any competitive athlete, and our organization is understanding and supportive. We will work with Michael to assure his development continues throughout 2020, and we look forward to welcoming him back into our clubhouse for the 2021 season."

Kopech appeared in a total of 14.1 big league innings when he underwent the operation in September 2018. He missed the entire 2019 campaign rehabbing from surgery.

More must-reads: