Chicago White Sox closer Michael Kopech nailed down the win in Wednesday's 3-1 victory over the Twins, recording his ninth save of the season. The righty came in pumping strikes, throwing just nine pitches in the inning, getting four whiffs and striking out all three batters he faced. This is partly why Kopech has remained closer because it shows what he is capable of, but it hasn't gone so smoothly this season, even allowing four earned runs in a blown save just two outings ago. For the season, the 28-year-old owns a 5.18 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, and an 18.0% K-BB% which would be much higher if not for a bloated 12.9% BB%. In addition to his nine saves, he's also got five blown saves on the season, but he'll likely remain the Sox's closer as he's still probably their best option.
Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Michael Kopech was called upon to hold a one-run lead against the Miami Marlins on Sunday. He was unable to do that as the Marlins were all over Kopech. He walked the first batter of the inning but seemed to settle down after that. Kopech eventually unraveled and allowed a game-winning three-run home run to Jake Burger. This is now three straight rough outings for Kopech. It's hard to justify keeping him on fantasy rosters at this point.
Michael Kopech Stakes Claim To Closer's Role For White Sox
Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Michael Kopech picked up his fourth save of the season on Thursday, shutting down the Cleveland Guardians in a 3-2 win. Kopech got the final four outs of this one, allowing just a hit while striking out one. Although the White Sox aren't likely to get many save chances, it appears Kopech is the go-to guy when the opportunity arises. He now has four of the team's seven saves and has saves in back-to-back games as well. It might be time to consider picking him up in leagues where saves are sparse.
Chicago White Sox closer Michael Kopech locked down Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, firing a scoreless ninth inning to secure the victory. Kopech got Randy Arozarena to fly out before giving up a single to Harold Ramirez, but the hurler managed to induce a game-ending double play out of Isaac Paredes. It's been a mixed bag from the hard-throwing 28-year-old right-hander as a reliever for the last-place ChiSox this season, but he does have three saves as well as a serviceable 3.93 ERA and 1.25 WHIP while fanning 25 and walking 10 over 18 1/3 frames as Chicago's preferred ninth-inning weapon. Rookie righty Jordan Leasure and veteran John Brebbia are also in the mix for save opportunities on the South Side, making Kopech a fringe hold in fantasy leagues for saves desperados.
Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Michael Kopech picked up his second save of the season in Tuesday's 7-5 win over the Guardians. Kopech came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth inning up by two and struck out the side. He stayed in to pitch the bottom of the ninth and delivered another 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout to end the game. The 27-year-old has pitched well overall since moving to the bullpen, converting both of his save opportunities with a 2.45 ERA, 12 strikeouts, and five walks in 7 1/3 innings pitched. Walks are still an issue and the White Sox may not offer many save opportunities, but Kopech seems like the bullpen arm to roster in fantasy leagues at this time given his performance.
Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Michael Kopech earned his first save of the season in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Braves. Kopech came in to pitch the top of the eighth inning up by one with one out and runners on first and second. He got a groundball double play to end the half-inning and stayed on to pitch the ninth, now up by two. He got the first out on a fly-out, allowed a solo home run, got the second out on a strikeout, allowed a walk and a single, and got the final out on a pop-out. It wasn't pretty, but it was the team's first save of the season. Kopech has looked about as expected in his new bullpen role, compiling a 2.08 ERA with five strikeouts and three walks in 4 1/3 IP. Walks could cripple him as they have in the past, but he looks to be a potential closer for the White Sox in the early going.
Chicago White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech is being moved to the bullpen, according to general manager Chris Getz. It doesn't come as a huge surprise after Kopech finished last year pitching in relief for the Pale Hose. However, it's a bit more surprising after Chicago just traded ace Dylan Cease to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday evening. The 27-year-old Kopech, a former first-round pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2014, had a career-worst 5.43 ERA (6.46 FIP) and 1.59 WHIP with a league-high 91 walks and a career-high 134 strikeouts in 129 1/3 innings over 30 outings (27 starts) in 2023. Given the lack of closing options in Chicago's current bullpen, Kopech might be the favorite for saves now, which would make him much more valuable in fantasy than if he remained in a starting role.
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Michael Kopech looked nearly unhittable during Friday's game versus the Chicago Cubs. The right-hander struck out five batters over two hitless innings during Friday's loss. This is extremely encouraging for Kopech who seemed destined to end up in the bullpen. Possibly, Kopech can make a resurgence as a starting pitcher in 2024. It's still early in spring training, but his stuff looks better than ever before. Fantasy managers should start putting Kopech's name in the sleeper conversation during drafts.
Michael Kopech Reportedly In Best Shape Since 2021
Chicago White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech (knee) is in the "best physical shape since 2021," pitching coach Ethan Katz relayed to Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times. It's unclear just how much stock fantasy managers should take in this update, but it's a promising report nonetheless considering Kopech recently admitted he lost 20 pounds while recovering from knee surgery. "He's been phenomenal," Katz added in regard to Kopech on Thursday. "Ball's coming out hot and he's pounding the strike zone, so right now he's in a great spot." The 27-year-old was roughed up through 30 games last year, amassing a 6.46 FIP, 35.5 GB%, 6.33 BB/9, and 2.02 HR/9.
Chicago White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech (knee) said that he has arrived to camp 20 pounds lighter this year as he looks to bounce back from a rough season in 2023. Kopech is healthy at camp and was seen throwing a bullpen session on Wednesday. The 27-year-old had minor surgery to remove a cyst from his right knee late last year and finished on the injured list, but he should be fine to open the 2024 season in Chicago's starting rotation. Kopech was roughed up to the tune of a 5.43 ERA and 1.59 WHIP while striking out 134 hitters in a career-high 129 1/3 innings last year. Most of his issues were due to a high 15.4 percent walk rate. Adding durability concerns on top of his profile, fantasy managers should consider him a late-round flier, at best, in deeper leagues.
