White Sox option Michael Kopech to Charlotte

On what was supposed to be the first day of the regular season, the White Sox made one roster move, optioning right-hander Michael Kopech to Class AAA Charlotte on Thursday.

Kopech, who is recovering from Tommy John Surgery in September 2018, was not expected to open the season with the Sox, even though he dominated in the one inning he pitched in a Cactus League game during spring training. So the move was not a surprise.

The Sox had planned to ease him back and the best guess had him pegged for a May or June return. How the delay to the start of the season because of the Coronavirus impacts his return is not known.

After touching 101 mph in a perfect first inning against the Rangers, Kopech was expected to make two more Cactus League starts before spring training was suspended.

The Sox were scheduled to host the Royals on Opening Day Thursday afternoon at Guaranteed Rate Field.