Entering the 1971 season, the White Sox had been attempting to trade Wood, but an injury to starting pitcher Joe Horlen caused them to put him in the starting rotation. During the year, pitching coach Johnny Sain suggested that he pitch with only two days' rest in between, since knuckleball specialists do not put as much stress on their arms as other pitchers. Wood proceeded to lead the AL in games started from 1972 through 1975, starting a career-high 49 in 1972, a year in which he also pitched a career-high innings pitched. He won 20 or more games for four straight years, leading the AL in 1972 and 1973 with 24 wins. In 1973, Wood also became the first pitcher to win and lose 20 or more games in a season since Walter Johnson did so in 1916. Wood was an All-Star in 1971, 1972, and 1974.