Brett Cecil removed from Blue Jays’ closer gig

By Drew SilvaJun 23, 2015, 8:46 PM EDT
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Brett Cecil allowed four earned runs on two walks and two hits Sunday in the Blue Jays’ loss to the Orioles, watching his season ERA rise to 5.96. And he’ll no longer be trusted in the ninth inning …

That committee should prominently feature 20-year-old right-hander Roberto Osuna, who has registered a 2.12 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in 31 appearances this season while striking out 40 batters over 34 innings.

Michael Kopech has opted out of the 2020 season

Kopech has opted out
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By Craig CalcaterraJul 10, 2020, 6:19 PM EDT
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Michael Kopech has opted out of the 2020 season. The White Sox starter informed the team of his decision today, and the team issued a press release to that affect a few minutes ago.

The statement from general manager Rick Hahn. said “we recognize that reaching this decision is incredibly difficult for any competitive athlete, and our organization is understanding and supportive. We will work with Michael to assure his development continues throughout 2020, and we look forward to welcoming him back into our clubhouse for the 2021 season.”

Kopech, 24, has only four big league starts under his belt, all coming in late August and early September of 2018, but after a strong spring training he was likely to make Chicago’s rotation at some point in the 2020 season after sitting out all of 2019 following Tommy John surgery. Kopech was among the players sent to Chicago from the Red Sox in the Chris Sale trade back in December 2016. Others involved in the deal included Yoán Moncada, Victor Diaz, and Luis Alexander Basabe.

Now, however, Kopech has opted out.