GLENDALE, Ariz. -- 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.
"It's not my first choice where I want to be. I like starting, but I've had success in that role," he said Thursday of relief duty. "Ultimately we are looking at what's best for the team this year. If I can help us win games in the back of the game, I'm excited to do that."
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.