Eduar Lopez

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #22 prospect in 2015
  Lopez is another example of the effectiveness of the Angels international scouting department when it comes to finding Latin players who don't get scooped up immediately at the July 2 international signing period. Eligible in 2011, Lopez instead signed in February 2012 for $45,000. Unrefined when he signed, he spent two years in the Dominican Summer League before making his U.S. debut in the Rookie-level Arizona League in 2014. Lopez has a strong, stocky body built for durability, and he delivers an overpowering four-seam fastball up to 96 mph. His putaway pitch is an overhand curveball that he throws 78-83 mph. One of the goals for Lopez in 2014 was to develop a changeup, and he now throws it as a hard pitch from 88-90 mph that looks like a sinking two-seamer. His control isn't bad for a young power pitcher, but needs to be more fine. The biggest question regarding Lopez's future is whether he develops more of a feel for pitching. He'll remain in the rotation for now but may profile better out of the bullpen.
• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #24 prospect in 2014
  The Angels decided Lopez would be better served by a second year in the Dominican Summer League in 2013, and he responded by putting together a similar year, striking out the same number of batters, walking more but but allowing fewer hits. Right now, Lopez can dominate DSL hitters with a two-pitch mix consisting of a 90-94 mph fastball and a promising breaking ball that handcuffs young hitters. The next step is to work with Rookie-level Arizona League pitching coach Matt Wise when he comes to the U.S. in 2014 to develop a changeup. Lopez's control took a step back in his second year in the DSL. His delivery is relatively clean, but he'll have to improve his ability to hit his spots if he's going to stay in the rotation. Lopez is more than ready to make the jump to the AZL and try his luck against more experienced hitters.
• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #23 prospect in 2013
  Lopez signed out of the Dominican Republic last year for just $45,000, but he made a strong impression during his pro debut. He ranked third in the Dominican Summer League with 83 strikeouts and would have ranked first with 14.0 whiffs per nine innings if he had enough innings to qualify. Lopez has a compact frame and an 89-91 mph fastball that he can get up to 93 mph and throw for strikes. He has a mid-70s curveball with quick break and solid depth, and DSL hitters often swung over it or froze up when he threw it. Like most pitchers with his experience level, he's still learning a changeup. A pleasant surprise in 2012, he'll head to the Arizona League this year.