Michael Kopech
P CWS
Fri 5/10/24 2:48 AM

Kopech earned a save against the Guardians on Thursday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter over 1.1 innings.
EDGE Analysis
Kopech's save against Tampa Bay on Wednesday was relatively stress-free, as he entered with a three-run lead. That wasn't the case Thursday -- Kopech was asked to put out a fire in the bottom of the eighth frame after Cleveland slugged back-to-back homers to get to within a run. The right-hander retired David Fry in that inning to quell Cleveland's momentum, then worked around a one-out single in the ninth to finish off the save. The White Sox are among the worst teams in the majors this season, so Kopech may not have as many save opportunities as closers on contenders, but he's emerged the Chicago's clear go-to ninth-inning option with a save in consecutive contests.

Michael Kopech
P CWS
Thu 5/9/24 3:10 AM

Kopech registered a save against the Rays on Wednesday, allowing one hit in one scoreless inning.
EDGE Analysis
Kopech had a relatively easy time closing things out with a three-run lead Wednesday -- though he gave up a one-out infield single, the right-hander got the next batter to ground into a game-ending double play. It was the third save of the season for Kopech, though his most recent save prior to Wednesday came all the way back on April 9. Four different pitchers have notched a save for the White Sox this season, but Kopech appears to be the team's primary closer, as he's the only one among the four with multiple save conversions.

Michael Kopech
P CWS
Sun 5/5/24 9:47 AM

Kopech (1-3) threw a scoreless ninth inning while allowing one walk and striking out one to earn the win Saturday against the Cardinals.
EDGE Analysis
Kopech entered the game in the ninth inning with the score tied 5-5. He struggled with his control -- he hit a batter in addition to the free pass he issued -- but ultimately escaped for this third scoreless effort in his last four appearances. Despite a shaky start to the season, Kopech remains the White Sox's primary option in the highest leverage situations, often including save chances.

Michael Kopech
P CWS
Wed 4/24/24 9:24 AM

Kopech allowed two earned runs on two hits and no walks while striking out two to earn a hold Tuesday against the Twins.
EDGE Analysis
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.

Michael Kopech
P CWS
Mon 4/22/24 12:42 AM

Kopech threw a scoreless inning during which he didn't allow a baserunner and struck out two Sunday against the Phillies.
EDGE Analysis
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.

Michael Kopech
P CWS
Wed 4/17/24 5:59 PM

Kopech (0-2) blew a save and ultimately took the loss in Wednesday's opening game against Kansas City, allowing two runs on two hits while striking out one.
EDGE Analysis
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, so it's likely this was Chicago's intention again Wednesday. Overall, 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.

Michael Kopech
P CWS
Tue 4/9/24 9:30 PM

Kopech earned the save in Tuesday's 7-5 win over the Guardians, striking out four over two perfect innings.
EDGE Analysis
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.

Michael Kopech
P CWS
Sat 4/6/24 10:16 AM

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.
EDGE Analysis
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.

Michael Kopech
P CWS
Wed 4/3/24 12:40 AM

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.
EDGE Analysis
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.

Michael Kopech
P CWS
Fri 3/29/24 2:35 AM

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.
EDGE Analysis
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.