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.

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.

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Kopech was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday with right knee inflammation.

EDGE Analysis

Kopech had surgery Friday to remove a cyst from the knee and is expected to require 6-to-8 weeks to recover. It ends a disappointing 2023 campaign which 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.

Kopech will serve as an opener for Wednesday's game against the Nationals, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

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.

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

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.

EDGE Analysis

It was another tough outing for Kopech, who's now gone four straight starts without making it through five innings. 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.