White Sox RHP Michael Kopech to open season in bullpen

One day after right-hander Dylan Cease was traded to the San Diego Padres, more changes were set in motion for the Chicago White Sox's pitching staff with right-hander Michael Kopech set to start the season in the bullpen.

Kopech's new role, after starting in 52 of the 55 games he appeared in the past two seasons, was announced by general manager Chris Getz on Thursday.

In three appearances this spring, all starts, Kopech had a 7.71 ERA in just seven innings. He had 10 strikeouts but also walked six batters.

In 30 appearances (27 starts) last season, Kopech was 5-12 with a 5.43 ERA. In four seasons with Chicago, he is 15-25 with a 4.33 ERA in 103 appearances (60 starts). In 2021, Kopech made 40 of his 44 appearances as a reliever.

Cease was traded to the Padres on Wednesday for a group of highly regarded prospects in right-handers Drew Thorpe and Jairo Iriarte and outfielder Samuel Zavala. Right-handed reliever Steven Wilson also was acquired in the deal.