Fantasy News

• White Sox's Michael Kopech: Shaky in eighth-inning appearance

  Rotowire Apr 24, 2024

  Kopech allowed two earned runs on two hits and no walks while striking out two to earn a hold Tuesday against the Twins. Kopech was used in the eighth inning, and he primarily matched up against the top of the Twins' lineup. He allowed a leadoff single and later in the inning served up a two-run home run to Trevor Larnach. Kopech still maintained a one-run lead for the White Sox to earn his first hold of the season. The sample of the team maintaining a lead late in games is small, but it appears that manager Pedro Grifol is comfortable using Kopech in the highest-leverage situations rather than using him solely in save situations.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: Gets back on track

  Rotowire Apr 22, 2024

  Kopech threw a scoreless inning during which he didn't allow a baserunner and struck out two Sunday against the Phillies. Kopech made his first appearance since blowing a save chance Wednesday. While it wasn't in a save situation, Kopech was nevertheless impressive, retiring the side on 13 pitches while generating three swinging strikes. He's now turned in six scoreless performances in nine appearances this season, also maintaining a 17:6 K:BB across 11.1 innings.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: Takes loss, blown save vs. Royals

  Rotowire Apr 17, 2024

  Kopech (0-2) blew the save and ultimately took the loss in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Royals, allowing two runs on two hits while striking out one. Called upon to protect a one-run lead in the eighth inning, Kopech gave up a one-out single to Bobby Witt before Salvador Perez launched a two-run homer, sticking Kopech with his first blown save and the loss. The right-hander has already earned a pair of multi-inning saves this season, meaning Kopech is 2-for-3 in save chances this year with a 3.48 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 15:6 K:BB through his first 10.1 innings.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: Earns six-out save

  Rotowire Apr 9, 2024

  Kopech earned the save in Tuesday's 7-5 win over the Guardians, striking out four over two perfect innings. Kopech looked excellent Tuesday, striking out the side in the eighth inning before setting the Guardians down in order in the ninth to nail down his second save this year. The right-hander had allowed a run in each of his prior two appearances, issuing four walks over 2.2 innings in that span. Tuesday's performance was certainly a step in the right direction for Kopech, who appears to be the White Sox's primary closer early in the year. Overall, he's 0-1 with a 2.45 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 12:5 K:BB through his first 7.1 innings this season.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: Takes loss against Royals

  Rotowire Apr 6, 2024

  Kopech (0-1) allowed one earned run on one hit and two walks while striking out three to take the loss Friday against the Royals. Kopech entered the game in the eighth inning of a tied contest and walked the second batter he faced, which ultimately became the game-deciding run. He's now walked five batters across his first 5.1 innings of work, resulting in a 1.69 WHIP. Kopech's usage was also particualrly notable, as he was deployed in the perceived highest-leverage situation rather than being reserved for a save chance. He's still likely to regularly serve as the closer for the White Sox, though the door could be open for another reliever to pick up a handful of saves.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: First career save

  Rotowire Apr 3, 2024

  Kopech allowed one earned run on two hits and two walks while striking out one across 1.2 innings to earn the save Tuesday against Atlanta. Kopech relieved John Brebbia in the eighth inning with a 3-0 lead while inheriting runners on first and second base. He walked the first batter he faced before inducing a double play to get out of the jam. Kopech then returned to the mound in the ninth frame and served up a home run to Marcell Ozuna before allowing two additional runners to reach base. This usage suggests Kopech will get the initial chance in the closer role for the White Sox, though his first career save hardly came convincingly.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: First appearance comes in loss

  Rotowire Mar 29, 2024

  Kopech allowed one hit and one walk while also hitting a batter and striking out one across a scoreless inning in Thursday's loss to the Tigers. Kopech entered the game in the eighth inning with the White Sox down by a run. He loaded the bases with two outs, but he managed to get Matt Vierling to strike out swinging to end the threat. While it was a high-leverage situation, Kopech's usage in the loss suggests that he may not be the top candidate for saves in a murky Chicago bullpen.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: Being moved to bullpen

  Rotowire Mar 14, 2024

  White Sox general manager Chris Getz said Thursday that Kopech will begin the season in the bullpen, Scot Gregor of the Chicago Daily Herald reports. Kopech finished last season in the bullpen, but the White Sox seemingly had been committed to him as a starter again heading into 2024. However, they've reversed course even after trading starter Dylan Cease. Kopech was excellent in relief back in 2021 and immediately becomes a candidate to close for the club, perhaps even the favorite for the job. It's a boost to Kopech's fantasy outlook, but even if he does close he'll be doing so for one of the worst teams in the league.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: Seemingly healthy for camp

  Rotowire Feb 14, 2024

  Kopech (knee) threw a bullpen session Wednesday and doesn't appear to have any limitations on the White Sox's first day of spring training, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Kopech finished the 2023 season on the injured list while recovering from a minor surgery he underwent in September to remove a cyst from his right knee, but after an estimated 6-to-8-week recovery period, the right-hander had a more normal offseason than he's experienced in recent years, as general manager Chris Getz relayed to Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com earlier this week. Despite struggling to a 5.43 ERA and 1.59 WHIP while striking out 134 batters over a career-high 129.1 innings in 2023, Kopech looks secure in the White Sox rotation heading into Opening Day due mostly to the team's lack of attractive alternatives.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: Avoids arbitration

  Rotowire Jan 11, 2024

  Kopech (knee) agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal with the White Sox on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. He ended the year on the shelf with knee inflammation but will presumably be ready for spring training. Kopech, 27, logged a career-high 129.1 innings last year, but he also had a career-worst 5.43 ERA and 1.59 WHIP.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: Season ends due to knee surgery

  Rotowire Sep 22, 2023

  Kopech was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday with right knee inflammation. Kopech had surgery Friday to remove a cyst from the knee and is expected to require 6-8 weeks to recover. The procedure ends a disappointing 2023 campaign that saw Kopech post a 5.43 ERA while leading the American League with 91 walks. He finished the season in the White Sox' bullpen, although the team's plans for his future role aren't clear.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: Opening Wednesday

  Rotowire Sep 19, 2023

  Kopech will serve as Chicago's opening pitcher for Wednesday's game against the Nationals, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Wednesday will mark the first time Kopech has started a game since moving to the bullpen Sept. 8. Since then, he's surrendered six runs across just 2.2 innings while striking out four batters and walking two. The 27-year-old righty is certainly capable of pitching deep into the game, but the plan will likely be to pull Kopech after an inning or two -- especially if he gets into trouble early.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: Relegated to bullpen

  Rotowire Sep 8, 2023

  Kopech won't start as scheduled Saturday and will instead move into a multi-inning relief role, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. After putting up a 9.50 ERA and 2.33 WHIP through 18 frames across his last five starts, Kopech will officially lose his spot in the rotation. The team reportedly still views him as a starter for next season, but a few good appearances out of the bullpen to close out 2023 would help Kopech build his case. Jose Urena will be selected from Triple-A Charlotte to start in Kopech's place Saturday against the Tigers.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: Struggles in shortened outing

  Rotowire Sep 4, 2023

  Kopech did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing two runs on one hit and five walks over 1.2 innings against the Tigers. He struck out two. Despite only lasting 1.2 innings, Kopech threw 44 total pitches of which 16 ended up a strike as he walked five batters. Though he struggled with command, Kopech only allowed one hit on the day, which was a two-RBI double by Carson Kelly. Kopech is slated for a rematch with the Tigers for his next start this weekend.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: Falls to Baltimore

  Rotowire Aug 28, 2023

  Kopech (5-12) took the loss Monday, allowing four runs on seven hits and four walks over four innings against the Orioles. He struck out five. It was another tough outing for Kopech, who's now gone four straight starts without making it through five frames. He's allowed 17 runs in that span (16.1 innings) while issuing 17 walks. Command continues to be an issue for Kopech, who's struggled to a career-worst 15-percent walk rate this season. Overall, his ERA is up to 5.08 with a 1.53 WHIP and 127:84 K:BB across 25 starts (124 innings) this season. Kopech will look to get back on track in his next outing, tentatively scheduled for this weekend against Detroit.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: Good to go Monday

  Rotowire Aug 28, 2023

  Kopech (leg) is listed as the White Sox's probable starting pitcher for Monday's game against the Orioles at Camden Yards. Kopech's previous start last Wednesday against the Mariners was cut short after he experienced leg cramps, but the right-hander will slot back into the rotation on his normal four days' rest after completing his between-starts bullpen session without issue. He'll tentatively line up for a two-start week, with his second turn set to come this weekend versus the Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: Exits with apparent injury

  Rotowire Aug 23, 2023

  Kopech was removed from his start Wednesday against the Mariners due to an apparent injury, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports. Kopech threw five warmup tosses before the top of the fifth inning and didn't look quite right. White Sox manager Pedro Grifol then visited the mound with a trainer and the 27-year-old right-hander was lifted following a brief chat. He appeared to be shaking out his arm as he made his way to the dugout. Kopech worked four scoreless innings versus Seattle prior to his departure, scattering four walks and one hit while striking out five.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: Crushed for nine runs

  Rotowire Aug 18, 2023

  Kopech (5-11) yielded nine runs on six hits and four walks over four innings Friday, striking out one and taking a loss against the Rockies. Kopech served up three homers in Friday's brutal outing. He also continues to struggle with his command; over his last 10 starts, Kopech has registered an unsightly 32:43 K:BB over 42.1 frames. His season ERA climbed to 5.12 through 23 starts. The 27-year-olf righty is currently projected to start at home against Seattle next week.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: Struggles with command

  Rotowire Aug 12, 2023

  Kopech did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing four runs on five hits and five walks over 4.1 innings against the Brewers. He struck out four. Kopech was consistently behind in the count, throwing first-pitch strikes to just eight of the 23 batters he faced. He still maintained a lead into the fifth but was pulled at 96 pitches after allowing three consecutive singles to close out his night. Kopech has been the pillar of inconsistency this year in his 21 starts, splitting evenly with seven games of four or more earned runs allowed, seven with no more than one earned run allowed and seven directly in-between. His next start is currently projected to take place next Friday in Colorado.

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• White Sox's Michael Kopech: Picks up fifth victory

  Rotowire Aug 6, 2023

  Kopech (5-10) earned the win over Cleveland on Saturday, allowing two runs on three hits and four walks while striking out three batters over 5.1 innings. Kopech held the Guardians scoreless through five frames and was handed a 5-0 lead, but he allowed three straight one-out hits amid the chaos of a sixth-inning brawl between the teams and was unable to complete the frame. However, the right-hander nonetheless pitched well enough to emerge with his just his second win over his past 11 starts. Kopech didn't miss a ton of bats and again struggled to find the strike zone, and he's now walked at least three batters in all but one of his last eight outings. On a more positive note, he didn't allow any balls to leave the park Saturday, the first time he's held a team homerless over his past seven starts.

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