Tampa Bay Rays trade David DeJesus to Angels for pitching prospect Eduar Lopez

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.