Mon Aug 19 | 00:49 | Michael Kopech Could Be Dodgers Closer |
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Michael Kopech collected his 11th save of the season and second in three days on Sunday, locking down a 2-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Kopech has been fantastic since he was acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline, tossing 9 shutout frames, striking out 13, and allowing just one hit and one walk. LA hasn't been able to lock down a closer since removing Evan Phillips from the role, but it appears manager Dave Roberts has found his guy in Kopech. As the Dodgers' potential closer, he should be rostered in any league where saves count. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Aug 17 | 09:22 | Michael Kopech Notches First Save As A Dodger |
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Michael Kopech was handed the ball in the ninth inning Friday, pitching a clean frame with no hits or walks and recording two strikeouts while notching the save in the 7-6 victory over the Cardinals. It was the righty's first save in a Dodger uniform after coming over from the White Sox. While the 28-year-old's tenure with the Sox was tumultuous, it has been smooth sailing so far in L.A., posting a 0.00 ERA in eight appearances, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out 13 batters. Daniel Hudson blew a save on Thursday and it has been nearly a month since Evan Phillips earned a save, so while all three are in the mix, Kopech's effectiveness should provide him more opportunities for saves going forward. |
Source: ESPN | RotoBaller.com |
Mon Jul 29 | 14:56 | Michael Kopech Traded To The Dodgers |
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired reliever Michael Kopech from the Chicago White Sox as part of a three-team trade on Monday. Kopech was a starter for the White Sox during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. However, the team moved him to the bullpen this offseason. It has been mixed results for the right-hander in that role this year, as he currently owns a 4.74 ERA and 59 strikeouts across 43 appearances. The 28-year-old was Chicago's closer in 2024, but it's unclear what type of role he will have with the Dodgers for the rest of the season. As a result, he likely should only be considered in extremely deep fantasy formats. |
Source: Jon Heyman | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Jul 11 | 10:43 | Michael Kopech Notches Ninth Save |
Chicago White Sox closer Michael Kopech nailed down the win in Wednesday's 3-1 victory over the Twins, recording his ninth save of the season. The righty came in pumping strikes, throwing just nine pitches in the inning, getting four whiffs and striking out all three batters he faced. This is partly why Kopech has remained closer because it shows what he is capable of, but it hasn't gone so smoothly this season, even allowing four earned runs in a blown save just two outings ago. For the season, the 28-year-old owns a 5.18 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, and an 18.0% K-BB% which would be much higher if not for a bloated 12.9% BB%. In addition to his nine saves, he's also got five blown saves on the season, but he'll likely remain the Sox's closer as he's still probably their best option. |
Source: ESPN | RotoBaller.com |
Sun Jul 7 | 21:14 | Michael Kopech Continues To Struggle |
Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Michael Kopech was called upon to hold a one-run lead against the Miami Marlins on Sunday. He was unable to do that as the Marlins were all over Kopech. He walked the first batter of the inning but seemed to settle down after that. Kopech eventually unraveled and allowed a game-winning three-run home run to Jake Burger. This is now three straight rough outings for Kopech. It's hard to justify keeping him on fantasy rosters at this point. |
Source: mlb.com | RotoBaller.com |
Fri May 10 | 01:21 | Michael Kopech Stakes Claim To Closer's Role For White Sox |
Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Michael Kopech picked up his fourth save of the season on Thursday, shutting down the Cleveland Guardians in a 3-2 win. Kopech got the final four outs of this one, allowing just a hit while striking out one. Although the White Sox aren't likely to get many save chances, it appears Kopech is the go-to guy when the opportunity arises. He now has four of the team's seven saves and has saves in back-to-back games as well. It might be time to consider picking him up in leagues where saves are sparse. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Wed May 8 | 21:56 | Michael Kopech Locks Down Third Save |
Chicago White Sox closer Michael Kopech locked down Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, firing a scoreless ninth inning to secure the victory. Kopech got Randy Arozarena to fly out before giving up a single to Harold Ramirez, but the hurler managed to induce a game-ending double play out of Isaac Paredes. It's been a mixed bag from the hard-throwing 28-year-old right-hander as a reliever for the last-place ChiSox this season, but he does have three saves as well as a serviceable 3.93 ERA and 1.25 WHIP while fanning 25 and walking 10 over 18 1/3 frames as Chicago's preferred ninth-inning weapon. Rookie righty Jordan Leasure and veteran John Brebbia are also in the mix for save opportunities on the South Side, making Kopech a fringe hold in fantasy leagues for saves desperados. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Apr 10 | 00:12 | Michael Kopech Earns Six-Out Save Tuesday |
Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Michael Kopech picked up his second save of the season in Tuesday's 7-5 win over the Guardians. Kopech came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth inning up by two and struck out the side. He stayed in to pitch the bottom of the ninth and delivered another 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout to end the game. The 27-year-old has pitched well overall since moving to the bullpen, converting both of his save opportunities with a 2.45 ERA, 12 strikeouts, and five walks in 7 1/3 innings pitched. Walks are still an issue and the White Sox may not offer many save opportunities, but Kopech seems like the bullpen arm to roster in fantasy leagues at this time given his performance. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Apr 3 | 00:20 | Michael Kopech Earns Multi-Inning Save Tuesday |
Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Michael Kopech earned his first save of the season in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Braves. Kopech came in to pitch the top of the eighth inning up by one with one out and runners on first and second. He got a groundball double play to end the half-inning and stayed on to pitch the ninth, now up by two. He got the first out on a fly-out, allowed a solo home run, got the second out on a strikeout, allowed a walk and a single, and got the final out on a pop-out. It wasn't pretty, but it was the team's first save of the season. Kopech has looked about as expected in his new bullpen role, compiling a 2.08 ERA with five strikeouts and three walks in 4 1/3 IP. Walks could cripple him as they have in the past, but he looks to be a potential closer for the White Sox in the early going. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Mar 14 | 12:48 | Michael Kopech Moving To The Bullpen |
Chicago White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech is being moved to the bullpen, according to general manager Chris Getz. It doesn't come as a huge surprise after Kopech finished last year pitching in relief for the Pale Hose. However, it's a bit more surprising after Chicago just traded ace Dylan Cease to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday evening. The 27-year-old Kopech, a former first-round pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2014, had a career-worst 5.43 ERA (6.46 FIP) and 1.59 WHIP with a league-high 91 walks and a career-high 134 strikeouts in 129 1/3 innings over 30 outings (27 starts) in 2023. Given the lack of closing options in Chicago's current bullpen, Kopech might be the favorite for saves now, which would make him much more valuable in fantasy than if he remained in a starting role. |
Source: The Athletic - James Fegan | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 1 | 21:41 | Michael Kopech Looks Fantastic On Friday |
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Michael Kopech looked nearly unhittable during Friday's game versus the Chicago Cubs. The right-hander struck out five batters over two hitless innings during Friday's loss. This is extremely encouraging for Kopech who seemed destined to end up in the bullpen. Possibly, Kopech can make a resurgence as a starting pitcher in 2024. It's still early in spring training, but his stuff looks better than ever before. Fantasy managers should start putting Kopech's name in the sleeper conversation during drafts. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Feb 23 | 01:10 | Michael Kopech Reportedly In Best Shape Since 2021 |
Chicago White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech (knee) is in the "best physical shape since 2021," pitching coach Ethan Katz relayed to Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times. It's unclear just how much stock fantasy managers should take in this update, but it's a promising report nonetheless considering Kopech recently admitted he lost 20 pounds while recovering from knee surgery. "He's been phenomenal," Katz added in regard to Kopech on Thursday. "Ball's coming out hot and he's pounding the strike zone, so right now he's in a great spot." The 27-year-old was roughed up through 30 games last year, amassing a 6.46 FIP, 35.5 GB%, 6.33 BB/9, and 2.02 HR/9. |
Source: Daryl Van Schouwen | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Feb 15 | 18:37 | Michael Kopech Says He's 20 Pounds Lighter |
Chicago White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech (knee) said that he has arrived to camp 20 pounds lighter this year as he looks to bounce back from a rough season in 2023. Kopech is healthy at camp and was seen throwing a bullpen session on Wednesday. The 27-year-old had minor surgery to remove a cyst from his right knee late last year and finished on the injured list, but he should be fine to open the 2024 season in Chicago's starting rotation. Kopech was roughed up to the tune of a 5.43 ERA and 1.59 WHIP while striking out 134 hitters in a career-high 129 1/3 innings last year. Most of his issues were due to a high 15.4 percent walk rate. Adding durability concerns on top of his profile, fantasy managers should consider him a late-round flier, at best, in deeper leagues. |
Source: Chicago Sun-Times - Daryl Van Schouwen | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Feb 14 | 15:09 | Michael Kopech Throws Bullpen On Wednesday |
Chicago White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech (knee) appears to be healthy and threw a bullpen session at spring training on Wednesday. Kopech had minor knee surgery to remove a cyst from his right knee last year and finished the season on the injured list, but the 27-year-old appears to be fully healthy and should be ready for Opening Day. It was a rough 2023 season for Kopech, as he went 5-12 with a career-worst 5.43 ERA (6.46 FIP) and 1.59 WHIP with a league-high 91 walks and a career-high 134 strikeouts in a career-high 129 1/3 innings pitched over 30 appearances (27 starts). The White Sox took him out of the starting rotation late in the year because of his struggles, but he'll be back in the rotation to begin the year as he looks to bounce back. He's going to need to fix his walk issues if he's going to do that. |
Source: Chicago Sun-Times - Daryl Van Schouwen | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Sep 22 2023 | 16:30 | Michael Kopech Undergoes Surgery, Placed On Injured List |
Chicago White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech (knee) was placed on the 15-day injured list on Friday with right-knee inflammation after undergoing successful surgery on Friday morning to remove a cyst from his right knee. The full recovery time is expected to take between six to eight weeks. In a corresponding move, Chicago recalled right-hander Yohan Ramirez from Triple-A Charlotte. The 27-year-old Kopech has had a tough 2023 season, going 5-12 on the year with a 5.43 ERA, 134 strikeouts and 91 walks over 129 1/3 innings in 30 appearances (27 starts). He also led the American League with his 91 free passes. Based on his struggles and now his injury to close out the year, the White Sox may decide to make Kopech a full-time reliever entering the 2024 campaign. |
Source: White Sox Twitter | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Sep 8 2023 | 18:09 | Michael Kopech Moves To Bullpen |
Chicago White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech has been moved from the starting rotation to the team's bullpen, according to manager Pedro Grifol on Friday. Kopech holds a 5.16 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, and a 129/89 K/BB ratio over 26 starts this season. It gets worse as Kopech has been crushed to the tune of a 9.50 ERA and 2.33 WHIP over his last five starts. The team plans on using Kopech as a multi inning reliever going forward. It's worth noting that the White Sox still view Kopech as a starter next season. However, they've decided to shift him to the bullpen for now in the hope that he'll get back on track. The organization announced that right-hander Jose Urena will take over the vacant spot in the starting rotation. He'll take the ball versus the Detroit Tigers on Saturday. |
Source: Daryl Van Schouwen | RotoBaller.com |
Sun Sep 3 2023 | 10:56 | Michael Kopech Looks To Right The Ship Versus Tigers |
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Michael Kopech gets the ball for Sunday's start versus the Detroit Tigers. The 27-year-old has labored through a difficult season, throwing for an unattractive 5.08 ERA and 1.53 WHIP with 127 strikeouts across 124 innings. Kopech will have a chance to iron out those numbers a bit against Detroit, who he has registered a strong 2.13 ERA with 33 punchouts in 25 1/3 frames against since 2021. The right-hander's 15.1% walk rate this year leaves him prone to getting barraged, but Kopech's upside in a plum draw makes him worth streaming in a favorable matchup on Sunday. |
Source: Statmuse | RotoBaller.com |
Mon Aug 28 2023 | 12:52 | Michael Kopech To Start Monday |
Chicago White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech (leg) will make his scheduled start on Monday against the Baltimore Orioles on the road. Kopech left his last outing early last Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners due to leg cramps, but he won't end up missing his turn in the rotation this week. It will also be a two-start week for the 27-year-old, as he's scheduled to start again this weekend against the Minnesota Twins on the road. Fantasy managers should be very hesitant to use Kopech in a tough matchup against the first-place Orioles on the road at Camden Yards on Monday, In 24 starts this year, he's gone 5-11 with a 4.95 ERA (6.52 FIP), 1.49 WHIP, a league-high 80 walks and 122 strikeouts in 120 innings pitched. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Aug 23 2023 | 16:16 | Michael Kopech Leaves Early With Leg Cramps |
Chicago White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech (leg) left his start early on Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners with leg cramps and is being considered day-to-day. Despite giving up four walks in four innings before departing his start early, Kopech didn't allow a run on just one hit while also striking out five against Seattle. It remains to be seen if the 27-year-old will make his next scheduled start on Monday against the Baltimore Orioles, but this injury doesn't seem to be too serious. Kopech entered his start on Wednesday with a 5-11 record, 5.12 ERA (6.59 FIP), 1.50 WHIP, a league-leading 76 walks and 117 strikeouts in 116 innings over 23 starts. |
Source: White Sox Twitter | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Aug 5 2023 | 10:43 | Michael Kopech Aims To Rebound Against Guardians |
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Michael Kopech toes the rubber against the Cleveland Guardians for Saturday's start. The 27-year-old has struggled since returning from the injured list with right shoulder inflammation, logging a 6.61 ERA (10.13 FIP) in four starts since July 14 (16.1 innings). However, Kopech owns a 1.50 ERA in 18 frames covering his last three starts against the Guardians since 2022. The right-hander could perhaps serve as a viable streaming option in season-long fantasy leagues considering the matchup. Kopech remains a risky play nonetheless, though, having allowed 30 walks and nine home runs in his last seven appearances (28.2 frames). |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |