La Russa Gets Roasted After Allowing Injured Pitcher To Start; Leaves Game After 4 Batters

Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa is once again getting destroyed on social media for allowing the already-obviously-injured Michael Kopech to start a game on Monday, which the pitcher ultimately left due to...wait for it... an injury. 

It's even worse when you watch it:

Here's a look at what went down with Michael Kopech and what the White Sox deemed as left knee soreness pic.twitter.com/eFP3bNvJfI

— Casey Drottar (@CDrottar19) August 22, 2022

After being clearly in pain with a leg injury during his pregame warm-up tosses on the mound, La Russa still allowed Kopech to pitch. The 26-year-old pitcher faced four Kansas City Royals batters: still in obvious pain, he allowed one hit, two walks, and a hit batter, before leaving with a knee injury. And four runs go on the board for KC. 

Hold on. I missed the start of the game. Tony La Russa allowed Michael Kopech pitch in a must-win game despite a clear injury AND subsequently allow a bunch of earned runs?

I preached decency regarding TLR. This man is a loser. Fire him into the sun.

— All Things White Sox (@things_sox) August 22, 2022

Tony La Russa should be fired immediately. How tf you let Kopech pitch? pic.twitter.com/pLsi0lXNNx

— Yard (@TheRealYardLock) August 22, 2022

I can’t believe I live in a world where Joe Maddon got fired mid-season and Tony La Russa is still managing this White Sox team. Mind blowing is an understatement, ANY other MLB manager in this league would have the White Sox leading the AL Central.

— Greg Peterson (@GUnit_81) August 22, 2022

It's notable that Kopech has been bothered by this knee already this season. Back on June 12, he exited a game with inflammation in the knee. He got fluid drained and did not go on the injured list. Perhaps it could be time. 

Kopech has a 3.25 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP this season, but is walking an alarmingly-high 4.3 batters per nine innings. La Russa certainly didn't do him any favors today.

Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports,; Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports