Chicago White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech needs surgery from Tommy John.(Photo: Patrick Gorski, USA TODAY HU Sports)

CHICAGO (AP) – Michael Kopech, the Chicago White Sox's top prospect, is injured in his right elbow and is likely to have surgery on Tommy John.

White Sox General Manager Rick Hahn made the announcement on Friday.

Kopech, 22, was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte on August 21 and made four starts with the White Sox, passing 1-1 with a EAM of 5.02. Although two of the right-hander's first three starts were shortened by rain, the 6-foot-3 Kopech was impressive in all three heats, allowing for one run in 11 innings.

Before his last start Wednesday against Detroit, Kopech was struggling to get rid of his warm-ups. He gave up seven runs on nine hits in 3⅓ innings in the loss, and then signaled the team's discomfort on Thursday.

Friday's tests "revealed a fairly large tear in his ulnar collateral ligament," said Hahn. Kopech will receive a second opinion in the coming days.

Although Kopech's speed plunged against Detroit, the right-hand man thought he was just feeling stiff. He did not remember a burst or a sudden start of the injury and was surprised by the diagnosis.

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