MLB: Promoted prospects who are making a difference
#3 Reynaldo Lopez
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Reynaldo Lopez will be the second, top prospect that the Nationals have called up to make a spot start. He will face the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight, needing help after their 18-inning loss. Lopez is ranked as the 5th best prospect in the Nationals organization according to MLB.com.
In 14 games at AA he pitched 76.1 innings, accumulating a 3.18 ERA. He made two starts at AAA, facing 47 batters, allowing four runs on nine hits while striking out nine and walking six.
Lopez features a fastball that sits in the mid to upper 90’s. He has touched triple digits in the past and offers a curveball that has plenty of power.
Where he can help
The Nationals promotion of the MLB’s’ #1 prospect Lucas Giolito didn’t go as planned. In his two starts he pitched just 7.2 innings combined, allowing eight hits and four runs.
The Nationals only have four pitchers in their rotation, and Joe Ross has been on the DL since July 3 with shoulder inflammation. When Ross comes back there will be no need for Lopez in the rotation, but he could contend for a spot in the bullpen.
Some major league evaluators only see him as a bullpen arm, though others see differently. Regardless of mixed opinions, if Lopez impressed tonight, he could stay around in the majors for the foreseeable future.
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