SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- When it comes to his new, but seemingly temporary, life as a reliever, Michael Kopech, the No. 2 White Sox prospect, defers to teammate Aaron Bummer for thoughts on that particular topic.
Bummer becomes an outstanding reference point as one of the top left-handed high-leverage bullpen arms in the American League.
“He put it really well, actually, when he said that it kind of takes some of the pressure off you,” said Kopech during a Thursday Zoom. “You just get a chance to go out there and compete and throw your best stuff for a short amount of time, and you get to do that again the next time you are out there.
“Not so much mental preparation as it is going out there and being able to compete. Those are his words, not mine. It’s something I have to experience myself, but I think that’s a good approach.”
Kopech, 24, has been developed as a starting pitcher throughout his Minor League career and made four big league starts for the White Sox during the 2018 season. The organization envisions him as an elite starter at or near the top of their future rotation.
But the hard-throwing right-hander had Tommy John surgery at the end of the 2018 campaign and then elected not to pitch during the abbreviated ‘20 season. So, without an appearance since Sept. 5, 2018, the White Sox are using him out of the bullpen at the outset of the season to help manage his innings while also presenting the team a greater chance for success in what could be a special ‘21 campaign.
Adding the high velocity of Kopech and left-hander Garrett Crochet to an already deep relief crew is not an easy proposition for the opposition. There will be some adjustment for Kopech, who sounds as if he’s embracing the challenge.
“As far as the creative role, I’m looking forward to that, if for no other reason than just to be on this team. It’s a special team,” Kopech said. “We all know that we have the ability to win. I don’t need to speak to the talent or the depth that we have, but with a Hall of Fame manager [in Tony La Russa] and a Cy Young [Award winner in Dallas Keuchel] in our rotation and a no-hitter [Lucas Giolito] in our rotation and some of the best hitters in the league, you can’t really find a hole on this team.
“I’ve noticed the more motivated and hungry I am, it has to do with how much fun I’m having, and I’m having a lot of fun. It’s been easy. All of us here have been having a lot of fun. I haven’t had any trouble finding motivation, doing my work. Just coming to the field trying to do my part for the team like everyone else. As long as we keep that energy going it’s a good thing.”
Through offseason work focused upon his mechanics, Kopech feels as if his pitches are coming out smoother.
“Riding back side longer, staying connected to the rubber rather than jump myself to the plate,” Kopech said. “That’s a habit I’ve had in the past, just trying to clean up a little.”
Kopech has another live BP scheduled on the Camelback Ranch backfields before getting into games. He was the last 2020 White Sox Cactus League starter on March 10, which marked his return to the mound. In that appearance, six of his 11 pitches checked in at 100 mph or above.
At that time, the Sox were focused on treating Kopech more as a pitcher than simply a hard thrower, which was something he developed during his rehab. That focus won’t change, even if the 100 mph pitches are a bit more prevalent in relief.
“I’m still going to have a starter’s approach out of the bullpen, but as far as my velocity goes, it may be a tick or two up now and then,” Kopech said. “I’m going to be throwing my best pitches for the time that I’m out there, so I’m not saving anything anymore.
“With that being said, the plan is still to stretch out. So I’m still going to pitch the way I know how to pitch. And the way that I’ve been working on pitching, which is throwing to the glove, commanding all my pitches, rather than just trying to blow stuff by people.”
In stretching out, Kopech is moving toward that starter’s role while learning life as a reliever. This role actually could change within the upcoming season.
“I think the answer has to be yes, mostly because the season is so unpredictable. Nobody has a crystal ball,” White Sox manager La Russa said. “You start out with him as a starter-in-waiting and getting some experience and learning, but as the season gets on and the opportunities are there and the way he competes, we're going to try and win.
“You take your best shot, and he's going to try to be part of that best shot. So, [we’re] not putting any limitations on him.”