This story was excerpted from Scott Merkin’s White Sox Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

ST. LOUIS -- Michael Kopech came to 2024 Spring Training prepared to be a fixture in the White Sox starting rotation.

Mid-way through Spring Training, after three starts, Kopech was moved to the bullpen where his high-octane repertoire currently is playing in high leverage situations. But at the age of 28, the right-hander has not ruled out a future return as a starter.

He traveled this reliever-to-starter path once before with the White Sox. In 2021, Kopech struck out 103 over 69 1/3 innings, with 40 of his 44 appearances coming in relief. In ’22, Kopech posted a 3.54 ERA over 25 starts.

“Going from the 'pen to starting, from ‘21 to ’22, really helped my mindset as a starter in ’22,” Kopech told me during a recent interview. “I don’t think that this [move] takes starting out of my hands. It gives me an opportunity to refine my mentality and if the opportunity comes again, being able to really capitalize.”

Don’t take these comments as Kopech pushing for a rotation spot. He was asked a question and answered with a direct honesty admirably shown since joining the White Sox. Manager Pedro Grifol acknowledged on a few occasions how Kopech still could become a productive starter, even if it doesn’t end up for the White Sox.

Check out the impressive starting statistics for Seth Lugo over the last two seasons or Reynaldo López in 2024 as examples of that successful switch. Kopech took this Cactus League change as perfectly as anyone could have expected, and along the path of 24 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings and two saves in 14 games, he has learned a valuable lesson about finishing victories.

“No matter what the score specifically says coming into the game in those late innings, you have to treat it like a one-run game, bases loaded, World Series on the line,” Kopech said. “If you don’t have the same preparation going into every outing, then it can easily get away from you.

“I’m not saying I ever let off the throttle. But there have been times where I’d go out there, trying to get ahead and trying to throw strikes and then getting into the at-bat, rather than going best pitch and trying to shut somebody down.

“At that point, they aren’t looking to take strikes,” Kopech added. “They are looking to jump on a good pitch. It’s not so much working to get ahead as it is throwing your best stuff right away.”

Kopech has thrown 229 four-seam fastballs at an average of 98.8 mph entering this weekend series in St. Louis. His 57 pitches over 100 mph rank second in the Major Leagues.

“I could guess who No. 1 is right now,” said a smiling Kopech, who quickly pointed out Oakland’s Mason Miller in that top spot (97 over 100 mph).

“That kid throws hard and good for him. It’s insane. He’s chucking the ball,” Kopech continued. “I’ve seen highlights. I saw him hit 104 against Texas. I don’t think I’ve seen him throw a pitch below 100 yet.”

Having a fastball as a true weapon is reassuring for Kopech, especially not having to mix with four or five pitches. And Kopech is enjoying the life of a reliever.

“I’ve said to you guys a few times, I enjoy having an important role in a game,” Kopech said. “I enjoy having a portion of control of the game. As a starter, that can be a lump sum of innings: five, six, seven, eight, nine hopefully.

“As a reliever, you have a small sample size, I would be lying if I was saying there wasn’t pressure on that moment. So living up to that moment, having success in that moment, it feels a little more important. It’s exciting. I’ve had a lot of fun throwing in that role.”