Red Sox prospect Michael Kopech broke hand fighting teammate

One of the top pitching prospects in the Boston Red Sox organization will not be throwing for a while thanks to an unfortunate and immature incident.

Michael Kopech, who started 15 games at Single-A Greenville last year and had an impressive 2.63 ERA, was spotted with a cast on his throwing hand at spring training Tuesday. Red Sox general manager Mike Hazen confirmed in a text message to WEEI.com that Kopech fractured his hand in a recent altercation with a teammate.

“It was stupid,” Hazen said. “He’s going to have to grow up, obviously, with the things that have happened so far. He’s got a long road to go to get to the big leagues. He obviously has a ton of potential. He’s got a long way to go. These types of things, you don’t want to put more barriers in front of you than playing professional baseball already presents you.”

Kopech missed 50 games last season after he was suspended for testing positive for Oxilofrine, a stimulant that is banned in the minor leagues. The right-hander was taken by the Red Sox in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft.

This isn’t the first time we have heard of pro baseball players breaking their hands doing dumb things. Between the fight and the suspension, the Red Sox can’t be feeling great about Kopech.

Photo: Twitter/Michael Kopech