Kopech (hand) allowed four hits and four walks, but no runs, in 4.1 innings in his season debut for short-season Lowell on Friday, Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com reports. "It was obviously big getting out there in front of a crowd under the lights," Kopech said. "I was a little worked up in the first couple of innings. Kind of had to settle down. Didn't have the stuff I wanted to have, but it's the first outing back."

EDGE Analysis

It was an encouraging first night out for Kopech, who suffered a fractured hand during spring training, though signs of rust were evident. Just 42 of his 78 pitches were strikes and he allowed the first batter to reach in his first four innings. The 2014 first-round draft pick was a bit pumped, hitting the high-90s with his fastball in the first inning, but dropped down to the low-to-mid 90s thereafter. The organization decided to have him throw in the atmosphere of a stadium under the lights, rather than in the low-pressure environment of extended spring training. It remains to be seen how long he stays in Lowell, but it shouldn't be too long.