RADIO
Jacob Lopez Throwing Live Batting Practice, Nearing Spring Debut
Athletics left-handed starting pitcher Jacob Lopez (elbow) has been throwing live batting practice this week and is tentatively lined up to make his spring training debut on March 8 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 27-year-old has been on the shelf since being placed on the 15-day injured list last August with a shoulder strain. However, the southpaw has progressed well and appears to be on track to be a full-go to begin the season. With the Athletics last summer, Lopez logged a career-high 92 2/3 innings with a 4.08 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. He struck out 113 hitters but posted a modest 9.3% BB rate. Under the hood, Lopez generated a strong 3.64 xERA with a .211 xBA, suggesting he should see some positive regression in 2026. He carries some sleeper appeal in deeper leagues given his underlying metrics and above-average strikeout upside.
Source: Martin Gallegos
Source: Martin Gallegos
