60DMichael Kopech RP LAD Sat 7/6/24 10:22 AM
60DMichael Kopech
RP LAD
Kopech gave up a run on two hits and a walk over 1.1 innings Friday to record his eighth save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Marlins. He struck out one.
EDGE Analysis
With two on and two outs in the ninth inning, Kopech gave up an RBI single to Bryan De La Cruz, but he then got Josh Bell to ground out to escape the jam. Kopech isn't exactly locked in right now, stumbling to a 6.91 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 19:7 K:BB over his last 14.1 innings while blowing three of six save chances, but the White Sox seem content to deploy him at the team's closer for now, perhaps in an effort to increase his trade value.
60DMichael Kopech RP LAD Wed 7/3/24 12:03 PM
60DMichael Kopech
RP LAD
Kopech (2-7) allowed one hit and one earned run across 0.2 innings and took the loss Tuesday against the Guardians.
EDGE Analysis
Kopech entered the game in the ninth inning with the score tied at 6-6. He allowed a leadoff single and threw a wild pitch to put the runner on third base before allowing a sacrifice fly to bring in the game-winning run for Cleveland. Kopech has each of the White Sox's last two saves and should remain the team's primary closer despite a 4.50 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in 36 innings this season.
60DMichael Kopech RP LAD Sun 6/30/24 8:37 PM
60DMichael Kopech
RP LAD
Kopech struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Sunday against the Rockies.
EDGE Analysis
Kopech made his third appearance in four days after recording back-to-back saves June 27 and June 28. The right-hander delivered Sunday, retiring the side in order while striking out two batters on just eight pitches. The 28-year-old now owns a 2.25 ERA with two saves over his past eight innings, solidifying himself as the White Sox's closer.
60DMichael Kopech RP LAD Sat 6/29/24 12:20 AM
60DMichael Kopech
RP LAD
Kopech earned the save in Friday's 5-3 win over the Rockies, pitching a scoreless inning and working around a walk.
EDGE Analysis
The 28-year-old entered the ninth with a two-run lead and looked to immediately be in danger as he opened with six-pitch walk to Ryan McMahon. However, Kopech induced two consecutive groudouts, including one of the double-play variety, to escape with just his second save in June. The Chicago right-hander lowered his season ERA to 4.46 over 34.1 innings as he appears to have seized control of the closer's role over John Brebbia for the time being.
60DMichael Kopech RP LAD Fri 6/28/24 3:51 AM
60DMichael Kopech
RP LAD
Kopech struck out one while not allowing a hit or a walk during the ninth inning Thursday to pick up the save against Atlanta.
EDGE Analysis
A fielding error is all that prevented a 1-2-3 outing from Kopech, who collected his first save since May 15 after having blown his previous three opportunities. Kopech carries an impressive K/9 rate of 13.0, collecting 48 strikeouts over 33.1 innings. However, he's also allowed 48 batters to reach base (1.44 WHIP), including allowing 1.9 homers and 5.1 walks per nine innings. Kopech is a piece the White Sox will strongly consider selling at the trade deadline and will look for more performances like he provided Thursday to help them maximize the return they might get for him.
60DMichael Kopech RP LAD Sun 6/23/24 2:10 AM
60DMichael Kopech
RP LAD
Kopech allowed one hit and walked one while striking out two across a scoreless ninth inning Saturday against the Tigers.
EDGE Analysis
Kopech entered the game with a four-run lead and allowed consecutive batters to reach base with two outs. He managed to escape to turn in his second consecutive scoreless appearance, though he's still allowed eight earned runs across his last 8.1 frames. Those struggles have called Kopech's role as closer into question, though he did enter Saturday's game after John Brebbia.
60DMichael Kopech RP LAD Fri 6/14/24 4:08 AM
60DMichael Kopech
RP LAD
Kopech (2-6) blew a save but earned the win over the Mariners on Thursday, allowing one run on one hit while striking out two batters over one inning.
EDGE Analysis
Kopech was summoned in the ninth inning to try to protect a one-run Chicago lead but served up a one-out, game-tying solo shot to Julio Rodriguez. To his credit, Kopech bounced back to retire the next two batters and send the game to extra frames, and he was credited with a win as a result of the White Sox pushing across a run in the 10th. Kopech hasn't been very effective in a closing role for Chicago -- he hasn't notched a save since May 15 and is just 5-for-9 in save opportunities this season. He has a 4.91 ERA and 1.50 WHIP over 29.1 innings, though his 13.2 K/9 is characteristic of what most teams look for from a closer.
60DMichael Kopech RP LAD Thu 6/13/24 11:43 AM
60DMichael Kopech
RP LAD
Kopech struck out two and walked one without allowing a hit in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday against the Mariners.
EDGE Analysis
Kopech imploded to allow three earned runs and blow a lead in an appearance Monday, but he managed to bounce back in this outing. He entered the game with the score tied at 1-1 and turned in just his third scoreless effort in his last five appearances. Kopech remains the White Sox's primary closer, though his last save came on May 15.
60DMichael Kopech RP LAD Sun 6/9/24 12:45 AM
60DMichael Kopech
RP LAD
Kopech allowed one hit and one walk while striking out two across a scoreless ninth inning Saturday against the Red Sox.
EDGE Analysis
Kopech was called upon to protect a five-run lead. He did so successfully, though he allowed three hitters to reach base -- he hit a batter in addition to the walk and hit he surrendered -- and required 33 pitches to retire the side. Though it was shaky, the outing was still positive for Kopech as he had allowed at least one run in three of his last four appearances entering Saturday.
60DMichael Kopech RP LAD Thu 6/6/24 12:22 AM
60DMichael Kopech
RP LAD
Kopech (1-6) allowed a solo home run to the only batter he faced, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Cubs.
EDGE Analysis
Kopech was taken deep by Mike Tauchman as the Cubs won in walk-off fashion. It's been tough sledding for Kopech lately -- he's allowed five runs (four earned) over his last 2.2 innings, taking the loss in three of his last four appearances. The right-hander is now at a 4.21 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 35:15 K:BB through 25.2 innings while adding five saves, a hold and two blown saves. If he continues to struggle, Kopech could eventually lose his high-leverage role, though the White Sox's poor play overall has made it difficult for any of the team's relievers to put up saves.