CHICAGO (AP) —g to form their rotation for the future http://www.royalsfanproshop.com/authentic-ryan-goins-jersey , a major setback: Top prospect Michael Kopech has an injured right elbow and probably will need Tommy John surgery.White Sox general manager Rick Hahn made the announcement before Friday night’s home game against the Los Angeles Angels.“If there’s any silver lining to this, it would simply be that giving the timing of this injury, he will be on a pace to compete without restriction at the start of spring training for 2020,” Hahn said.The 22-year-old Kopech was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte on Aug. 21 and made four starts with the White Sox, going 1-1 with a 5.02 ERA. Although two of the right-hander’s first three starts were shortened by rain, the 6-foot-3 Kopech was impressive in all three, allowing just one run in 11 innings.On Wednesday, the hard-throwing Kopech had trouble getting loose during his warmups. He allowed seven runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings in a loss to Detroit, then reported discomfort in his arm to the team on Thursday.Tests on Friday “revealed a rather significant tear in his ulnar collateral ligament,” Hahn said. Kopech will get a second opinion in the next few days.Although Kopech’s velocity dipped against the Tigers, he thought he was just experiencing stiffness. He couldn’t recall a pop or abrupt onset of the injury and was surprised by the diagnosis.“If you’re looking for a specific pitch or date Melky Cabrera Jersey , I couldn’t tell you,” Kopech said. “It’s been gradual.”“I thought it was just a little discomfort. I thought it was something I could throw through,” he said.But Kopech said he knew he needed to get the condition checked.“(I wanted) to see if there was something I could fix,” he said. “This isn’t the answer I expected,” he said.Kopech joined promising youngsters Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Carlos Rodon — along with veteran James Shields — in a much-improved White Sox rotation that has helped make Chicago more competitive late in the season.Manager Rick Renteria said he hasn’t determined yet who will take Kopech’s place, but has little concern that the pitcher — who’s noted for his fitness level and workout regimen — will bounce back.“He is driven personally,” Renteria said. “There is no doubt in my mind he is going to go through everything very well.” Come Fan it up!"The weather is cold, but perhaps thinking of summer baseball will warm your heart. You can get a taste of baseball this weekend at Royals FanFest, to be held Friday and Saturday, January 25-26 at Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City.The annual event gives fans a chance to meet some of their favorite Royals and get their autograph. Fans can get their first look at new Royals Billy Hamilton and Chris Owings as well as old friends like Alex Gordon Justin Verlander Jersey , Danny Duffy, Salvador Perez, and Adalberto Mondesi. You can also meet former Royals like Bo Jackson, Brian McRae, and Kevin Seitzer. You can see a complete list of those making appearances here. Autographs will be on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 150 fans for each session. No photographs with participants will be allowed during the autograph sessions, and fans will be limited to one item per participant.There will be many activities for kids, including batting cages, drills for speed and accuracy in pitches, and fittingly, a bunting challenge. There are stages set up for question-and-answer segments with Royals players Houston Astros Jersey , coaches, and broadcasters. You can see a schedule of events here. You can always count on a fan or two telling Ned Yost how to set his lineup.Of course, you will find many opportunities to spend money on Royals swag. There will be game-used merchandise, leftover giveaways from past promotions, and plenty of new Royals gear and memorabilia. Attendees will also get a chance to purchase an exclusive Bo Jackson bobblehead with a $35 donation to Royals Charities.It all kicks off today at noon for exclusive season ticket holders. The event opens to the general public at 2 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. Doors open at 9 a.m. for season ticket holders on Saturday and 11 a.m. for the general public, with the event closing at 7 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for kids. You can purchase tickets here.There are numerous places to park downtown, and the convention center is right along the route of the free downtown streetcar. Here are some photos of last year’s event and Gross(est) review of the 2017 event. Are you planning on attending FanFest this weekend?