Report: Michael Kopech expected to be starter in 2021

Michael Kopech has not played a Major League Baseball game since 2018. Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

Report: White Sox planning for Michael Kopech to be starter in 2021

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 2/14/21

White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech has not played a Major League Baseball game since 2018. However, it appears Chicago isn't worried about a regression in his game.

According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, Chicago is planning for Kopech to be a starter during the 2021 season.

The #WhiteSox plan for RHP Michael Kopech to be built up as a starter this spring. He's expected to open 2021 in the @MLB rotation. Kopech, 24, will face an innings limit this year, as he hasn't appeared in a regular season game since 2018. @MLBNetwork @670TheScore
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 14, 2021

The right-hander missed the entire 2019 season with a torn UCL in his elbow and opted out of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

Kopech was drafted by the Boston Red Sox and was traded to the White Sox in the Chris Sale deal. In 2018, he went 1-1 with a 5.02 ERA, 1.535 WHIP and 15 strikeouts in 14.1 innings.

The 24-year-old will join a rotation that includes Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel, Lance Lynn and Dylan Cease.

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