Michael Kopech out of rotation, moves to White Sox' bullpen

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Right-hander Michael Kopech is out of the White Sox’ rotation and into the bullpen.

Whether his path in the pen takes him to a closer’s role remains to be seen, but it’s not out of the question.

Because of his plus stuff, closing has been suggested as a landing spot for Kopech, who struggled as a starter last season and hasn’t been sharp this spring. But ninth-inning duty requires first-strike throwing ability and limiting walks.

“Sure, I’m interested in it,” Kopech said Thursday. “I never really have done that. I would be glad to embrace that role. But right now, I have to work on being consistent before we talk about a role of that importance.”

General manager Chris Getz explained the decision, saying Kopech’s inability to limit walks in the early innings threatened to tax the bullpen.

“He’s a very talented arm, as we all know, and he’s going to have the ability to get outs toward the back half of the game,” Getz said. “I can’t say that everyone on our pitching staff has the ability to get outs like Michael does, so I look forward to seeing what that looks like.

“Obviously, attacking the zone is important regardless of where you’re pitching.”

The move to the pen marks another disappointing development in a career that hasn’t measured up to expectations after Kopech was acquired from the Red Sox in the Chris Sale trade in 2016. But Kopech, who had a 5.43 ERA as a starter last season, returns to a place where he had success in the Sox’ division-title season of 2021, when he had a 3.50 ERA in 44 games, 40 of them in relief.

“It’s not my first choice of where I want to be,” said Kopech, who allowed seven runs, six hits and six walks in seven innings in three Cactus League starts. “I like starting, but I’ve had success in that [relief] role. And, ultimately, we are looking at what’s best for the team this year. If I can help us win games in the back end of the game, I’m excited to do that.”

What about the rotation?

Kopech’s move and the trade of Dylan Cease open two spots in the rotation that could see Erick Fedde start Opening Day or former Braves All-Star Michael Soroka, who pitched four scoreless innings against the Angels on Thursday. Soroka has allowed two earned runs in nine innings with 12 strikeouts and four walks in three starts.

“It would mean a ton,” said Soroka, the Braves’ Opening Day starter in 2020.

With Cease’s $8 million salary off the books, Getz is exploring the free-agent and trade markets for a starter. Michael Lorenzen and Mike Clevinger are out there, unsigned, and known to be of interest to the Sox.

“We’ve got some time before Opening Day to really assess where we’re at, and if there’s an opportunity to improve our status going in, we’re going to do so,” Getz said.

Crochet earning it

Garrett Crochet draws closer to winning a rotation spot with each outing. He pitched three scoreless innings in relief of Soroka and hasn’t allowed a run in nine innings over four appearances. Crochet, who touched 99 mph, has 12 strikeouts without a walk.