\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"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.\n\nAdding 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.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2021-01-21T16:58:48.649Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2021/2021-01/21/2fbfd2a7-64f32656-f46117af-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4","type":"video","description":"2021 MLB.com Top Prospects: Michael Kopech has electric stuff, a fastball that regularly hits 100 mph and progressing control","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:01:09","slug":"top-prospects-kopech-cws","tags":[{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-145","title":"Chicago White Sox","team":{"__ref":"Team:145"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-656629","title":"Michael Kopech","person":{"__ref":"Person:656629"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"mlb-top-prospects","title":"MLB Top Prospects","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/v2bpjofte3mvburpggdj"},"title":"Top Prospects: Kopech, CWS","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/top-prospects-kopech-cws"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":" \n\n“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.\n\n“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.”","type":"text"},{"__typename":"OEmbed","html":"
\n\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Through offseason work focused upon his mechanics, Kopech feels as if his pitches are coming out smoother.\n\n“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.”\n\nKopech 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.\n\nAt 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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.”\n\nIn 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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.”","type":"text"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/michael-kopech-comfortable-as-reliever","contentType":"news","subHeadline":"Sox prospect getting stretched out as reliever to start '21","summary":"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.\nBummer becomes an outstanding reference point as one of the top left-handed high-leverage bullpen arms","tagline({\"formatString\":\"none\"})":null,"tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"storytype-article","title":"Article","type":"article"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-145","title":"Chicago White Sox","team":{"__ref":"Team:145"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-656629","title":"Michael Kopech","person":{"__ref":"Person:656629"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"ContributorTag","slug":"scott-merkin","title":"Scott Merkin","type":"contributor"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"spring-training","title":"Spring Training","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"cactus-league","title":"Cactus League","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"mlb-top-prospects","title":"MLB Top Prospects","type":"taxonomy"}],"type":"story","thumbnail":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/v1614894968/mlb/wcgys2buvaqbgzfmlfzw","title":"Michael Kopech comfortable as reliever"},"webPropertiesCollection({\"limit\":1,\"locale\":\"en-US\",\"preview\":false,\"where\":{\"propertiesId\":\"t145-global-properties\"}})":{"__typename":"CF_WebPropertiesCollection","items":[{"__typename":"CF_WebProperties","organismHeadlineFont":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"https://assets.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/montserrat_bold_woff2/04cec199571eaa6df9e537773d4f5116/montserrat_bold.woff2"},"urlLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"https://images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/t145_url_logowhitesox_url_svg/b3044b25dfc83a874429041432aa0c38/t145_url_logo.svg"},"favicon":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"https://images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/t145_favicon145_j669xf5i_i98gto7v_png/0478037f44c782f1db0068235464735a/t145_favicon.png"},"headerMastheadTagline":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"https://images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/t145_header_masthead_taglinechicagowhitesox_svg/609c58c54b440266746ee080ef2d9a0c/t145_header_masthead_tagline.svg"},"headerPrimaryLogo":null,"headerMastheadTaglineContainerWidth":"512px","headerMastheadTaglineContainerHeight":"53px","organismLogoVersion":"primary","organismLogoStyle":"dark","headerMastheadLogoVersion":"primary","headerMastheadLogoStyle":"dark","footerLogoVersion":"primary","footerLogoStyle":"dark","headlineTextTransform":"none","headlineFontFamily":"montserrat-bold","headlineFontFamilySizeMultiplier":0.94,"articleVideoAutoPlay":true,"articleVideoAutoPlaySound":false}]},"paletteCollection({\"limit\":1,\"locale\":\"en-US\",\"preview\":false,\"where\":{\"paletteName_contains\":\"t145-base-palette\"}})":{"__typename":"CF_PaletteCollection","items":[{"__typename":"CF_Palette","headerNavigationBackgroundColor":"#000000","headerNavigationTextColor":"#ffffff","headerNavigationTextColorHover":"#333333","headerNavigationBorderColor":"#C4CED4","headerMastheadBackgroundColor":"#000000","buttonSpotlightBackgroundColor":"#333333","buttonSpotlightBackgroundColorHover":"lighten","buttonSpotlightTextColor":"#ffffff","buttonSpotlightTextColorHover":"#ffffff","footerBackgroundColor":"#000000","footerBorderColor":"#e2e2e2","footerLinkColorActive":"#ffffff","footerLinkColor":"#999999","footerLinkColorHover":"#ffffff","footerTextColor":"#d2d2d2"}]},"dictionarySetCollection({\"locale\":\"en-US\",\"preview\":false,\"where\":{\"dictionaryTag_contains_all\":\"mlb-news\"}})":{"__typename":"CF_DictionarySetCollection","items":[{"__typename":"CF_DictionarySet","key":"skip_to_content","dictionaryValue":"Skip to Content"},{"__typename":"CF_DictionarySet","key":"news_recommended","dictionaryValue":"You may have missed..."},{"__typename":"CF_DictionarySet","key":"news_newsletter_placeholder","dictionaryValue":"Enter your email"},{"__typename":"CF_DictionarySet","key":"news_newsletter_signup","dictionaryValue":"Sign up"},{"__typename":"CF_DictionarySet","key":"news_newsletter_error","dictionaryValue":"Something went wrong, please try again."},{"__typename":"CF_DictionarySet","key":"news_newsletter_subscribed","dictionaryValue":"This email has already been registered for this newsletter!"},{"__typename":"CF_DictionarySet","key":"news_did_you_like","dictionaryValue":"Did you like this story?"},{"__typename":"CF_DictionarySet","key":"news_in_this_story","dictionaryValue":"In this story:"},{"__typename":"CF_DictionarySet","key":"news_share","dictionaryValue":"Share"},{"__typename":"CF_DictionarySet","key":"news_related","dictionaryValue":"Related"}]},"newsArticleCollection({\"locale\":\"en-US\",\"preview\":false,\"where\":{\"team\":{\"teamId\":\"t145\"}}})":{"__typename":"CF_NewsArticleCollection","items":[{"__typename":"CF_NewsArticle","articleVideoAutoPlay":true,"articleVideoAutoPlaySound":false,"fallbackThumbnail":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"https://images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/7rLiL2FzRtYvRA6WljKhNY/359c3d0e14e8deced16d006ecb2f4218/mlb_fallback_2.jpg"},"heightMinForSticky":2500,"injectedContent":null,"name":"White Sox","newsletters":["16","57","5510","4316","1","2010","43"],"newsletterLogoOnDark":null,"newsletterLogoOnLight":null,"newsletterMessaging":"Have the latest news, ticket information, and more from the White Sox and MLB delivered right to your inbox.","newsletterSuccessMessage":"Thank you for signing up for White Sox and MLB newsletters. ${email} has been successfully added.\n\nVisit your [account profile](https://www.mlb.com/account \"AccountProfile\") to manage your subscriptions.","newsletterTitle":"Become a White Sox Insider","stickyRelatedHeightDisplacement":700,"tagPrefixPlayer":"player","tagPrefixTeam":null,"team":{"__typename":"CF_Team","teamId":"t145","name":"White Sox","teamNameDisplay":"Chicago White Sox"},"newsletters({\"locale\":\"en-US\"})":["16","57","5510","4316","1","2010","43"]}]},"newsArticleCollection({\"locale\":\"en-US\",\"preview\":false,\"where\":{\"name\":\"MASTER\"}})":{"__typename":"CF_NewsArticleCollection","items":[{"__typename":"CF_NewsArticle","articleVideoAutoPlay":true,"articleVideoAutoPlaySound":false,"fallbackThumbnail":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"https://images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/7rLiL2FzRtYvRA6WljKhNY/359c3d0e14e8deced16d006ecb2f4218/mlb_fallback_2.jpg"},"heightMinForSticky":2500,"injectedContent":{"3":{"type":"ad"},"6":{"type":"related"},"8":{"type":"ad"},"10":{"type":"newsletter"},"paragraphWordCount":50,"displayAdDelay":30000},"name":"MASTER","newsletters":["1026","43"],"newsletterLogoOnDark":null,"newsletterLogoOnLight":null,"newsletterMessaging":"Sign up to receive our daily [Morning Lineup](https://www.mlb.com) to stay in the know about the latest trending topics around Major League Baseball.","newsletterSuccessMessage":"Thank you for joining the Morning Lineup newsletter. ${email} has successfully been added. \n\nVisit your [account profile](https://www.mlb.com/account \"Account Profile\") to manage your subscriptions.","newsletterTitle":"Get the Latest From MLB.","stickyRelatedHeightDisplacement":700,"tagPrefixPlayer":"player","tagPrefixTeam":null,"team":null}]},"getTeamsBySportId({\"ids\":[1]})":[{"__ref":"Team:133"},{"__ref":"Team:134"},{"__ref":"Team:135"},{"__ref":"Team:136"},{"__ref":"Team:137"},{"__ref":"Team:138"},{"__ref":"Team:139"},{"__ref":"Team:140"},{"__ref":"Team:141"},{"__ref":"Team:142"},{"__ref":"Team:143"},{"__ref":"Team:144"},{"__ref":"Team:145"},{"__ref":"Team:146"},{"__ref":"Team:147"},{"__ref":"Team:158"},{"__ref":"Team:108"},{"__ref":"Team:109"},{"__ref":"Team:110"},{"__ref":"Team:111"},{"__ref":"Team:112"},{"__ref":"Team:113"},{"__ref":"Team:114"},{"__ref":"Team:115"},{"__ref":"Team:116"},{"__ref":"Team:117"},{"__ref":"Team:118"},{"__ref":"Team:119"},{"__ref":"Team:120"},{"__ref":"Team:121"}],"getHeaderFromForgePath({\"contentSource\":\"MLB\",\"headerPath\":\"/_navs/header/cws/global-nav\",\"paletteKey\":\"t145-base-palette\",\"propertiesKey\":\"t145-global-properties\"})":{"__typename":"Header","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Single Game Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/single-game-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Promotions & Giveaways","linkUrl":"/tickets/promotions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Offers","linkUrl":"/tickets/ticket-offers","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Season Ticket Plans","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Group Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Single Game Suites","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets/suites/individual-games","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Premium Seating","linkUrl":"/tickets/premium-seating","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Spring Training Tickets","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/camelback-ranch/tickets/single-game-tickets","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1711220700"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Specialty Nights","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Miller Lite Landing","linkUrl":"/tickets/miller-lite-landing","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Mobile Ticketing","linkUrl":"/tickets/mobile-ticketing","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Parking","linkUrl":"/ballpark/transportation/parking#purchase","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Guests with Disabilities Tickets","linkUrl":"/ballpark/disability-access-guide#ticket-information","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy & Sell Tickets on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/chicago-white-sox-tickets?aid=15969&pid=integration&rid=1&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=whitesox_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Season Ticket Holders","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets/renew","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Pricing","linkUrl":"/tickets/pricing","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1696187400"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Regular Season Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Spring Training Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-02","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Regular Season Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-03","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sortable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2024/fullseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Downloadable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/downloadable-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Printable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/printable-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcast Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/list","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1665000600"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Radio Affiliates","linkUrl":"/schedule/radio-affiliates","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Events","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Scores","linkUrl":"/scores","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Roster","linkUrl":"/roster","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Depth Chart","linkUrl":"/roster/depth-chart","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"40-Man Roster","linkUrl":"/roster/40-man","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Non-Roster Invitees","linkUrl":"/roster/nri","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Coaches","linkUrl":"/roster/coaches","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top 30 Prospects","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/whitesox/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Transactions","linkUrl":"/roster/transactions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Injury Updates","linkUrl":"/news/topic/white-sox-injury-report","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Draft Results","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/draft/tracker/all/team/whitesox","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Front Office","linkUrl":"/team/front-office","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcasters","linkUrl":"/team/broadcasters","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Starting Lineups","linkUrl":"/roster/starting-lineups","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Player Search","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/players","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Minor League Affiliates","linkUrl":"https://www.milb.com/about/teams/by-affiliate","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pronunciation Guide","linkUrl":"/team/pronunciation","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Video","linkUrl":"/video","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Most Popular","linkUrl":"/video/topic/t145-default-vtp","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"White Sox Curtain Calls","linkUrl":"/video/topic/white-sox-curtain-calls","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"White Sox Game Recap","linkUrl":"/video/topic/white-sox-game-recap","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"White Sox Cut4","linkUrl":"/video/topic/white-sox-cut4","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"White Sox Pipeline","linkUrl":"/video/topic/whitesox-pipeline","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"White Sox Manager Postgame","linkUrl":"/video/topic/white-sox-manager-postgame","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"White Sox Community","linkUrl":"/video/topic/white-sox-community","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Network","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/network","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"News","linkUrl":"/news","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Probable Pitchers","linkUrl":"/roster/probable-pitchers","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Official Releases","linkUrl":"/news/topic/white-sox-press-releases","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"White Sox Pipeline","linkUrl":"/news/topic/whitesox-pipeline-coverage","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Inside the White Sox","linkUrl":"https://whitesoxpride.mlblogs.com/","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Photo Stream","linkUrl":"/team/photos","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"RSS News Feed","linkUrl":"/feeds/news/rss.xml","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"White Sox History","linkUrl":"/history","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"White Sox History Feature Stories","linkUrl":"/news/topic/white-sox-history-trivia","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"White Sox Podcasts","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/fans/podcasts/clubs/#chicago-whitesox","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB News","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/news","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;appears:1717603200;expires:1720022400;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Vote","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/all-star/ballot?affiliateId=asb-topnav-club-2024","placement":"right","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Fans","linkUrl":"/fans","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"SoxFest 2025","linkUrl":"/fans/soxfest","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"appears:1706292000"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ultimate Fan Sweepstakes","linkUrl":"/fans/ultimate-fan-sweepstakes","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"White Sox 5k","linkUrl":"/fans/sox-5k","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"White Sox Entertainment","linkUrl":"/fans/entertainment","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sox Crawl","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/sox-crawl","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fitted In Black","linkUrl":"/fans/fitted-in-black","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"White Sox Kids","linkUrl":"/fans/kids","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Become a White Sox Insider","linkUrl":"/fans/newsletters","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Social Media Clubhouse","linkUrl":"/social","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Miller Lite White Sox Headquarter Bars","linkUrl":"/fans/headquarter-bars","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Jackie Robinson Student Contest","linkUrl":"/fans/jr-student-contest","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1711774800"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"NIL Opportunities","linkUrl":"/fans/nil-opportunities","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sox Degrees Podcast","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/fans/podcasts/clubs/#chicago-whitesox","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Wallpapers & Downloads","linkUrl":"/fans/wallpapers","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"White Sox Digital Publications","linkUrl":"/fans/publications","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Southpaw","linkUrl":"/fans/southpaw","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Walk-up Music","linkUrl":"/ballpark/music","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fan Experiences","linkUrl":"/fans/fan-experiences","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Mazda of Orland Park Pride Crew","linkUrl":"/fans/pride-crew","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Holiday Gift Guide","linkUrl":"/fans/gift-guide","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Halloween Pumpkin Stencils","linkUrl":"/fans/pumpkin-stencils","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"globe","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Community","linkUrl":"/community","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"White Sox Volunteer Corps","linkUrl":"/community/volunteer-corps","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Chicago White Sox Charities","linkUrl":"/charities","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sox Split 50/50 Raffle","linkUrl":"/charities/support/split-50-50","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Car Raffle","linkUrl":"/charities/support/car-raffle","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sox Collective","linkUrl":"/community/sox-collective","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Game Changers","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/gamechangers","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"BasebALL: One Game for All","linkUrl":"/community/baseball","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Community Newsletters","linkUrl":"/community/newsletter","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Community Videos","linkUrl":"/video/topic/white-sox-community","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Make a Donation to CWSC","linkUrl":"https://whitesoxcharities.givingfuel.com/general-donation","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Community Tickets Donation Program","linkUrl":"/community/ticket-donation-program","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Request an In-Kind Donation","linkUrl":"/community/in-kind-donation-request","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Social Change + Community Resources","linkUrl":"/community/social-change-community-resources","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Mental Health Resources","linkUrl":"/community/mental-health","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Grant Recipients","linkUrl":"/charities/impact/grant-recipients","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Hero of the Game Application","linkUrl":"/community/hero-of-the-game","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Diverse Business Partners Program","linkUrl":"/community/diverse-business-partners-program","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Together","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/mlb-together","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"gameday","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Guaranteed Rate Field","linkUrl":"/ballpark","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Know Before You Go","linkUrl":"/ballpark/know-before-you-go","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ballpark Guide","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Getting to the Game/Parking","linkUrl":"/ballpark/transportation","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Entry/Gates","linkUrl":"/ballpark/entry-gates","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Seating Chart","linkUrl":"/ballpark/seat-map","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ballpark FAQs","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/guide","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Concessions","linkUrl":"/ballpark/concessions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Scoreboard Messages","linkUrl":"/charities/support/scoreboard-messages","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Virtual Tours","linkUrl":"/ballpark/virtual-tours","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Huntington Bank Stadium Club","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets/stadium-club","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rain Policy","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/guide#r-content","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Code of Conduct","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/code-of-conduct","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Guests with Disabilities","linkUrl":"/ballpark/disability-access-guide","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"ChiSox Bar & Grill","linkUrl":"/ballpark/chisox-bar-and-grill","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Chicago Sports Depot","linkUrl":"/ballpark/chicago-sports-depot","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Meeting and Event Spaces","linkUrl":"/ballpark/meeting-and-event-spaces","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Apps","linkUrl":"/apps","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Stats","linkUrl":"/stats","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Stats","linkUrl":"/stats/team","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Prospect Stats","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/stats?teamId=145","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Affiliate Stats","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/stats/affiliates?teamId=145","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Savant","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/team/145","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Rookies Stats","linkUrl":"/stats/american-league?playerPool=ROOKIES","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Standings","linkUrl":"/standings","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"watch","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/subscribe?affiliateId=clubMENU","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":"_blank","linkText":"Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-white-sox/t-58330890+z-827433-2063038434?_s=bm-mlbcom-chw","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Jerseys","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-white-sox/jerseys/t-47003167+d-2394668970+z-95-181974383?_s=bm-mlbcom-chw","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Caps","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-white-sox/caps/t-14553123+d-1249667770+z-91-4109808447?_s=bm-mlbcom-chw","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Men's","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-white-sox/men/t-36336490+ga-90+z-982231-1671958675?_s=bm-mlbcom-chw","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Women's","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-white-sox/women/t-47111990+ga-91+z-984653-3286012151?_s=bm-mlbcom-chw","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Kids","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-white-sox/kids/t-25445389+ga-36+z-966324-1133136529?_s=bm-mlbcom-chw","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Big & Tall","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-white-sox/big-and-tall/t-25228656+es-35+z-912206-262051099?_s=bm-mlbcom-chw","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Trading Cards","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/trading-cards/d-4507487451+z-952513-2008381280?_s=bm-mlb.com-ShopButton-2024-TradingCards-chw","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Collectibles & Memorabilia","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-white-sox/collectibles-and-memorabilia/t-14009778+d-3472111161+z-98-1202739109?_s=bm-mlbcom-chw","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Home & Office","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-white-sox/home-and-office/t-14665301+d-7838888988+z-8-1229277233?_s=bm-mlbcom-chw","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Clearance","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-white-sox/t-58330890+z-827433-2063038434?os=1&_s=bm-mlbcom-chw","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"European Shop","linkUrl":"http://www.mlbshopeurope.com/stores/mlb/en/c/shop-by-team/american-league/chicago-white-sox?portal=YGW2J9B8&CMP=PSC-YGW2J9B8","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gift Certificates","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/gift-cards/x-462351+z-94899005-3509039474?_s=bm-mlbcom-chw","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Photostore","linkUrl":"https://photostore.mlb.com/collections/chicago+white+sox?utm_source=chicago_white_sox&utm_campaign=nav","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"White Sox Auctions - Bid or Buy","linkUrl":"https://whitesox.auctions.mlb.com/?_gl=1*1f24jh3*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE2ODEzMTA3NTguQ2p3S0NBandyZG1oQmhCQkVpd0E0SHg1Z3o2dl9TZW54SkRtTFl4REpsRVBhTHRvSmlQUjFHZTY4SGpVWmYtU0lrTWdURmdDUU9kMmVSb0NnTk1RQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_dc*R0NMLjE2ODEzMTA3NTguQ2p3S0NBandyZG1oQmhCQkVpd0E0SHg1Z3o2dl9TZW54SkRtTFl4REpsRVBhTHRvSmlQUjFHZTY4SGpVWmYtU0lrTWdURmdDUU9kMmVSb0NnTk1RQXZEX0J3RQ..&utm_source=Nav+Auction+Tray+CWS&utm_medium=Club.com+Shop+Nav&utm_campaign=Club.com+permanent+Navigation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Auctions - Bid or Buy","linkUrl":"https://auctions.mlb.com/iSynApp/showHomePage.action?sid=1101001&isynsharedsession=mki8i1dARcxDt3WwReTi6kJOREHftyZJNK-Xg3m10ZpEdaSACl02r4aCDzYhNvUm&utm_source=Nav+Auction+Tray+CWS&utm_medium=Club.com+Shop+Nav+MLB&utm_campaign=Club.com+permanent+Navigation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Authentication","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/official-information/authentication","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Store Locations","linkUrl":"/ballpark/chicago-sports-depot","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"gift","linkTarget":"_blank","linkText":"Auction","linkUrl":"https://whitesox.auctions.mlb.com/iSynApp/showHomePage.action?sid=1102381","placement":"right","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Teams","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/team","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Module","linkUrl":null,"linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Español","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/es/whitesox","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]}],"cfPalette":{"__typename":"CF_Palette","headerMastheadBackgroundColor":"#000000","headerMastheadTextColor":"#ffffff","headerNavigationBackgroundColor":"#000000","headerNavigationBorderColor":"#C4CED4","headerNavigationTextColorHover":"#333333","headerNavigationTextColor":"#ffffff"},"cfWebProperties":{"__typename":"CF_WebProperties","urlLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"//images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/t145_url_logowhitesox_url_svg/b3044b25dfc83a874429041432aa0c38/t145_url_logo.svg"},"headerMastheadTagline":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"//images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/t145_header_masthead_taglinechicagowhitesox_svg/609c58c54b440266746ee080ef2d9a0c/t145_header_masthead_tagline.svg"},"headerPrimaryLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadSponsorImage":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadTaglineContainerWidth":"512px","headerMastheadTaglineContainerHeight":"53px"}}},"Team:145":{"__typename":"Team","id":145,"division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"name":"Chicago White Sox","shortName":"Chi White Sox","teamName":"White Sox"},"Person:656629":{"__typename":"Person","id":656629},"Division:200":{"__typename":"Division","id":"200"},"Team:133":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":133,"name":"Oakland Athletics","shortName":"Oakland","teamName":"Athletics"},"Division:205":{"__typename":"Division","id":"205"},"Team:134":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":134,"name":"Pittsburgh Pirates","shortName":"Pittsburgh","teamName":"Pirates"},"Division:203":{"__typename":"Division","id":"203"},"Team:135":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":135,"name":"San Diego Padres","shortName":"San Diego","teamName":"Padres"},"Team:136":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":136,"name":"Seattle Mariners","shortName":"Seattle","teamName":"Mariners"},"Team:137":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":137,"name":"San Francisco Giants","shortName":"San Francisco","teamName":"Giants"},"Team:138":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":138,"name":"St. Louis Cardinals","shortName":"St. Louis","teamName":"Cardinals"},"Division:201":{"__typename":"Division","id":"201"},"Team:139":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":139,"name":"Tampa Bay Rays","shortName":"Tampa Bay","teamName":"Rays"},"Team:140":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":140,"name":"Texas Rangers","shortName":"Texas","teamName":"Rangers"},"Team:141":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":141,"name":"Toronto Blue Jays","shortName":"Toronto","teamName":"Blue Jays"},"Division:202":{"__typename":"Division","id":"202"},"Team:142":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":142,"name":"Minnesota Twins","shortName":"Minnesota","teamName":"Twins"},"Division:204":{"__typename":"Division","id":"204"},"Team:143":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":143,"name":"Philadelphia Phillies","shortName":"Philadelphia","teamName":"Phillies"},"Team:144":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":144,"name":"Atlanta Braves","shortName":"Atlanta","teamName":"Braves"},"Team:146":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":146,"name":"Miami Marlins","shortName":"Miami","teamName":"Marlins"},"Team:147":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":147,"name":"New York Yankees","shortName":"NY Yankees","teamName":"Yankees"},"Team:158":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":158,"name":"Milwaukee Brewers","shortName":"Milwaukee","teamName":"Brewers"},"Team:108":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":108,"name":"Los Angeles Angels","shortName":"LA Angels","teamName":"Angels"},"Team:109":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":109,"name":"Arizona Diamondbacks","shortName":"Arizona","teamName":"D-backs"},"Team:110":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":110,"name":"Baltimore Orioles","shortName":"Baltimore","teamName":"Orioles"},"Team:111":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":111,"name":"Boston Red Sox","shortName":"Boston","teamName":"Red Sox"},"Team:112":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":112,"name":"Chicago Cubs","shortName":"Chi Cubs","teamName":"Cubs"},"Team:113":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":113,"name":"Cincinnati Reds","shortName":"Cincinnati","teamName":"Reds"},"Team:114":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":114,"name":"Cleveland Guardians","shortName":"Cleveland","teamName":"Guardians"},"Team:115":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":115,"name":"Colorado Rockies","shortName":"Colorado","teamName":"Rockies"},"Team:116":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":116,"name":"Detroit Tigers","shortName":"Detroit","teamName":"Tigers"},"Team:117":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":117,"name":"Houston Astros","shortName":"Houston","teamName":"Astros"},"Team:118":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":118,"name":"Kansas City Royals","shortName":"Kansas City","teamName":"Royals"},"Team:119":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":119,"name":"Los Angeles Dodgers","shortName":"LA Dodgers","teamName":"Dodgers"},"Team:120":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":120,"name":"Washington Nationals","shortName":"Washington","teamName":"Nationals"},"Team:121":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":121,"name":"New York Mets","shortName":"NY Mets","teamName":"Mets"}}}
window.adobeAnalytics = {"reportingSuiteId":"mlbglobal08,mlbwhitesox","linkInternalFilters":"whitesox"}
window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Chicago White Sox","lang":"en"}
window.appId = ''
/*-->*/
Kopech 'having fun,' adjusting to 'pen role
Kopech 'having fun,' adjusting to 'pen role
Sox prospect getting stretched out as reliever to start '21
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.”