Michael Kopech to pitch out of bullpen rather than Chicago White Sox starting rotation

Hard-throwing Chicago White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech will pitch out of the bullpen instead of the starting rotation, another disappointing development in a career that hasn't lived up to expectations. The announcement about Kopech came one day after Chicago traded ace Dylan Cease to San Diego for reliever Steven Wilson and three prospects: right-handers Drew Thorpe and Jairo Iriarte, and outfielder Samuel Zavala. Acquired from Boston in the trade that sent Chris Sale to the Red Sox in 2016, Kopech had success in a primarily relief role in 2021 after missing two seasons because of Tommy John surgery and the COVID-19 pandemic.