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ANALYSIS: While he's only eligible as a starting pitcher right now, Michael Kopech is currently occupying a multi-inning reliever role in the stacked White Sox bullpen. The former top prospect hadn't thrown a pitch in any game since September 2018 before last weekend, after Tommy John surgery wiped out his 2019 season and he opted out of 2020. He sure hasn't looked rusty, though. In two appearances spanning four innings, Kopech has racked up eight strikeouts and only allowed three batters to reach base.
The 24-year-old will need time to build back up, but could find himself in the mix for a rotation spot later in the season if Dylan Cease continues to struggle or Carlos Rodón's always-tenuous health falters. Even if it does - perhaps especially if he doesn't - Kopech can provide value to fantasy squads in almost all formats by racking up strikeouts and providing good ratios. Bet on the talent, not the role.
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