Starling Marte leaves game with concussion symptoms

By Drew SilvaJun 24, 2014, 10:24 PM EDT
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Pirates left fielder Starling Marte banged his head into the knee of Rays infielder Sean Rodriguez while trying to steal second base in the top of the fifth inning Tuesday. A little white later, the Bucs tweeted this …

An extended absence seems likely even if the concussion is deemed mild. Pittsburgh can roll with the hot-hitting Josh Harrison in left field with second baseman Neil Walker recovered from an appendectomy.

Michael Kopech has opted out of the 2020 season

Kopech has opted out
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By Craig CalcaterraJul 10, 2020, 6:19 PM EDT
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Michael Kopech has opted out of the 2020 season. The White Sox starter informed the team of his decision today, and the team issued a press release to that affect a few minutes ago.

The statement from general manager Rick Hahn. said “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, 24, has only four big league starts under his belt, all coming in late August and early September of 2018, but after a strong spring training he was likely to make Chicago’s rotation at some point in the 2020 season after sitting out all of 2019 following Tommy John surgery. Kopech was among the players sent to Chicago from the Red Sox in the Chris Sale trade back in December 2016. Others involved in the deal included Yoán Moncada, Victor Diaz, and Luis Alexander Basabe.

Now, however, Kopech has opted out.