Michael Kopech will pitch out of the bullpen instead of the starting rotation for the Chicago White Sox to begin the 2024 season.

"It's not my first choice where I want to be. I like starting, but I've had success in that role," he said of relief duty. "Ultimately we are looking at what's best for the team this year. If I can help us win games in the back of the game, I'm excited to do that."

Kopech was acquired as the major piece in the 2016 trade that sent Chris Sale to the Boston Red Sox. He had success in a primarily relief role in 2021 after missing two seasons because of Tommy John surgery and the COVID-19 pandemic.

He has been inconsistent as a starter since and struggled in three spring training outings after going 5-12 with a 5.43 ERA last season. It was not clear what his bullpen role will be.