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The Tampa Bay Rays traded veteran outfielder David DeJesus to the Los Angeles Angels this evening. In exchange, the Floridians receive right-handed pitching prospect Eduar Lopez. Here's a quick report on the newest Ray.
Eduar Lopez, RHP: Eduar (Not a Typo) Lopez was signed by the Angels as a free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2012. He debuted in the Arizona Rookie League in 2014 with a 4.68 ERA and a 53/25 K/BB in 42 innings. Moved up to Orem in the Pioneer League for 2015, he's made eight starts with a 4.32 ERA and a 33/16 K/BB in 33 innings.
Lopez is listed at 6-0, 180 (although he appears to be bigger than his listed weight), born February 21, 1995. Despite a small $45,000 signing bonus, he has one of the better arms in the Angels system, capable of hitting 93-96 MPH with his fastball. He also has an impressive breaking ball, described as either a power curve or a slider. His change-up is still under development but shows enough potential that the Angels viewed him as a future starting pitcher, although sources outside the organization felt relief was his likely destination.
Lopez is quite a distance from the majors but he has intriguing potential and is a nice pickup for a 35-year-old outfielder with a .698 OPS.
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