Kopech didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 8-7 loss to the Rays, surrendering five runs on six hits and four walks over five innings. He struck out a season-high nine.

EDGE Analysis

As has been the norm for Kopech to begin the season, he looked dominant at times but also fell victim to one bad inning, in this case a four-run first by Tampa Bay. The right-hander generated 16 swinging strikes on 104 pitches, but his command remains erratic -- he's walked at least three batters in all four of his outings. Harold Ramirez's two-run shot in the opening frame was the eighth homer Kopech has served up in only 20.2 innings. He'll carry a 6.97 ERA, 1.74 WHIP and 23:14 K:BB into his next start, likely to come next week in Toronto.

Kopech didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 7-6 extra-inning win over the Orioles, giving up three runs on six hits and four walks over five-plus innings. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander seemed to be cruising toward a quality start, allowing just one run through the first five innings, but a solo shot by Anthony Santander followed by a walk to Austin Hays to lead off the sixth chased Kopech from the game. It's the second time in three starts the wheels have come off for him in a hurry in a later inning. Kopech will carry a 6.32 ERA and 14:10 K:BB through 15.2 innings into his next outing, likely to come next weekend in Tampa Bay.

Kopech (0-2) took the loss Sunday, allowing one earned run on two hits and three walks over six innings as the White Sox fell to the Pirates. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old performed well in his second start, giving up a single run and two hits following his rough season debut. Kopech gave up a sacrifice fly to Jack Suwinski in the first inning, which turned out to be the only run scored in the game. The right-hander looked crisp despite the loss, giving some much-needed hope for a White Sox rotation that has struggled out of the gate. Kopech owns a 6.75 ERA and 10:6 K:BB through 10.2 innings pitched.

Kopech took the loss Monday, allowing seven runs on eight hits and three walks over 4.2 innings of work against the Giants. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Kopech could not keep the ball in the park during Monday's loss, as five San Francisco hitters took him deep before his exit. The right-hander fell behind in counts consistently through his 4.2 frames, as he threw first strikes to hitters just 13 out of 25 attempts. It's a disappointing first outing for Kopech after some high praise for his work this spring, but he'll get a chance to bounce back in his next outing which is scheduled for Sunday against the Pirates.

Kopech said he was pitching through a respiratory issue during his Cactus League start Thursday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

And he did sound hoarse during his post-outing chat with the media, per Van Schouwen. Kopech got knocked around for five earned runs on seven hits and four walks over just three innings of work against the Giants. He said he struggled to find his timing, probably because he wasn't feeling 100 percent. The 26-year-old remains locked into a spot in Chicago's season-opening starting rotation.

Kopech didn't allow a baserunner across three scoreless innings while striking out one in Cactus League action Sunday against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

The outing was Kopech's debut this spring, as he was brought along slowly while recovering from offseason knee surgery. He showed no ill effects while touching 98 mph with his fastball and requiring only 37 pitches to complete his work. Kopech still has plenty to improve upon in future outings, including throwing his changeup more -- he threw it only once Sunday -- and adjusting to the pitch clock, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Kopech is planning to throw his changeup more in 2023, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kopech has reportedly been working on his changeup this offseason and is hoping to mix in the pitch more to an arsenal that already includes a fastball, slider and curveball. According to Baseball Savant, Kopech threw his changeup only 25 times in 2022 -- primarily against left-handed batters.

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said Thursday that Kopech (knee) doesn't have any lingering issues this spring, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kopech reported early to White Sox camp in Arizona and has already completed a couple of successful bullpen sessions. "He's on pace," said Grifol. "He's in a good spot." The 26-year-old was limited to 119.1 innings (25 starts) last season due to knee and shoulder issues, but he appears to be locked into a regular spot in Chicago's starting rotation heading into 2023.

Kopech (knee) signed a one-year contract with the White Sox on Friday to avoid arbitration, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kopech offered a mixed bag in 2022, holding a 3.54 ERA but with a 105:57 K:BB over 119.1 innings before shoulder and knee injuries prematurely ended his season. The hope is that he will be ready for spring training, but he won't be a good bet for a full workload in 2023.

Kopech's (knee) rehab process has been more gradual than expected, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kopeck missed the end of the 2022 season due to a shoulder injury and underwent surgery on his right knee in early October. While he hasn't progressed as quickly as anticipated, the White Sox still expect him to be ready for the start of spring training, and he's expected to be ready to throw 85 pitches over five innings by the time the regular season gets underway.