John

Brebbia

Brebbia missed two weeks while dealing with a right calf strain. He should be a high-leverage reliever option for Chicago and could see some save situations, if the White Sox ever get another save situation. Michael Kopech is more likely going to get those chances, however.

The 33-year-old reliever looks to be getting back on track after he suffered calf tightness during a game two weeks ago. His fantasy value has taken a hit this season with Michael Kopech being the White Sox primary closer this season. Brebbia should return to the active roster in the coming days barring any setbacks.

Brebbia suffered the injury on Friday and will require some extended rest. The veteran right-hander was considered a potential favorite for saves during spring training in an admittedly rough situation, but Michael Kopech has since emerged after being moved to the bullpen. Jared Shuster will take Brebbia’s place on the active roster.

The right-hander hasn’t been placed on the injured list — at least as of now — but it sounds like he’s going to miss at least a couple of games at a minimum. In the meantime, the White Sox will play a man shorthanded in the bullpen as they battle the Royals over the weekend.

It’s the same calf that caused him trouble during spring training, so there’s a possibility that this could require a trip to the injured list. Either way, Brebbia was being utilized in the sixth inning once again on Friday and it appears that Michael Kopech is the favorite for save chances in the team’s bullpen, so Brebbia’s useful life from a fantasy perspective appears to have run its course.

The 33-year-old hurler fielded a ground ball and threw across his body to get the runner at first base, but he appeared to tweak something in the process. He attempted a few warm-up throws afterwards before determining that he could not continue. It’s unclear if it’s related to the calf issue that sidelined him during the spring or a new ailment. Expect the White Sox to provide an update on his status shortly.

Kopech also pitched a scoreless inning his first time out, though this appearance was definitely more impressive. The White Sox certainly aren’t saving John Brebbia for the ninth (he entered during the sixth today, and Kopech replaced him in the seventh), so Kopech seems like a candidate for saves in the short term. He makes for a solid pickup.

The White Sox haven’t had a save chance yet, but most home teams utilize their closer in a tied game in the top of the ninth inning, which is where Brebbia made his season debut on Saturday. Jordan Leasure, who was also believed to be in the mix for save chances, pitched in the sixth inning on Saturday while Michael Kopech was used in the middle innings on Thursday. It’s speculative, sure, but consider Brebbia to be the favorite for save chances on the White Sox.

The left-hander also threw in a minor league game on Tuesday. He was participating in drills to continue to test the strength of his strained calf, which has sidelined him for almost a month. He has been throwing during that time, so it might not take him long to ramp up, and he could be ready to serve as the team’s closer by Opening Day.

All signs point to Brebbia being ready to go for Opening Day. The 33-year-old reliever has been dealing with a calf strain since late February. He’s in line to be the White Sox’ primary closer for the 2024 season after he signed a one-year deal with Chicago this offseason.