What is Michael Kopech's role in the second half?

[South Side Hit Men]

Hopefully Michael Kopech will head for the minor leagues for a quick rehab stint or perhaps get activated here shortly after a few simulated appearances.

The poll is What is Michael Kopech's role in the second half? Voting is for what you think the White Sox will do / what will ultimately happen, not what you would do with Michael Kopech,

[Greg Hibbard]

Considering some of the struggles we have had with say a fifth man in the rotation even being competent in other seasons (2004 comes to mind), I wouldn’t shake up the rotation if I were the White Sox. He continues in exactly the role he has been in. 

Edited June 28, 2021 by Greg Hibbard

[ChiSox59]

I think he'll be starting games every 5th day in August and September.  Not exactly sure what they're going to do with him in the meantime.  Bullpen for a few weeks in normal role, and then start to stretch out into longer multi inning outings before taking his spot in the rotation?  

[EloyJenkins]

3 minutes ago, ChiSox59 said:

I think he'll be starting games every 5th day in August and September.  Not exactly sure what they're going to do with him in the meantime.  Bullpen for a few weeks in normal role, and then start to stretch out into longer multi inning outings before taking his spot in the rotation?  

Who goes to pen? Cease for a power BP arm for playoffs?

[ChiSox59]

4 minutes ago, EloyJenkins said:

Who goes to pen? Cease for a power BP arm for playoffs?

Not sure.  5 weeks to figure that out.  A lot can happen in that time.  

[2Deep]

I want MK to be the 7th/8th inning set up guy to Hendriks 

[Bob Sacamano]

48 minutes ago, EloyJenkins said:

Who goes to pen? Cease for a power BP arm for playoffs?

Only need 4 SP in playoffs anyway so that may be his role anyway.

[Capital G]

I'd keep him as is. 2-3inn out the BP. Spot start when needed.

In the late months/play-offs I would love him as the 7-8 inn guy before Liam.

[raBBit]

Starter goes 6 innings. Kopech goes 2 innings. Hendriks goes 1 inning.

[South Side Hit Men]

Not surprised by the voting or messages, most people believe he will be used consistent with first half usage (pitch 1-2 innings every three days in high leverage situations and or an occasional spot start).

I could see Lynn and Keuchel, possibly Giolito, being against going with a six man in terms of their routine, Keuchel also needs 160 IP to require the minimum 160 next year for his vesting, he'll be vocal as he has criticizing Ricky last year, or Tony for pulling him yesterday.

With Rodon being a FA this offseason, wonder if the Sox will even bother trying to manage his innings, or just pitch him until he can't pitch no more like the Cubs did with Chapman in 2016, within reason (100-110 pitch outings, but letting him attempt 32 starts plus postseason). Cease may need a little break as well, perhaps a phantom IR stay to skip a start or two.

They still haven't disclosed Kopech's limit, but it should be in the 100-120 range, allowing him say 10-12 pitch count managed starts plus postseason.

[ShoeLessRob]

Stay healthy!

[SonofaRoache]

4 hours ago, EloyJenkins said:

Who goes to pen? Cease for a power BP arm for playoffs?

DK is a bullpen arm for sure this post season. Every 4th game may be Kopech for 5 then Cease and DK. Rodon, Lynn, and Gio start games 1-3. 

[Vulture]

I’d use him as a 2 inning opener for Keuchel for a few starts then ramp him up to 85-90 pitches by sometime in September for his last three or four starts

[EloyJenkins]

15 minutes ago, SonofaRoache said:

DK is a bullpen arm for sure this post season. Every 4th game may be Kopech for 5 then Cease and DK. Rodon, Lynn, and Gio start games 1-3. 

I like this idea