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 Feb 14, 2021 3:11 PM ET

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.

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90

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