The Athletics will give left-hander Jacob Lopez his first starting assignment of the season Tuesday as they continue their series against the Texas Rangers. Lopez steps into the rotation spot previously held by JT Ginn, who was placed on the injured list Saturday with right elbow inflammation.
Lopez has made three major league appearances this season, all in relief. This includes a scoreless 1 2/3 innings stint against Texas on April 22. He has a 0.00 ERA in his limited major league work this year.
Before joining the Athletics, Lopez made eight appearances with two starts for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023 and 2024. He came to the Athletics organization in the same trade that brought pitcher Jeffrey Springs.
Lopez was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas to take Ginn's spot on the roster. In three games for Las Vegas this season, Lopez was 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA, including two starts.
The Athletics won the series opener 2-1 on Monday, securing their third consecutive win over the Rangers by three runs or fewer. The win also put the Athletics over the .500 mark for the first time since the third game of the season. A’s Start Road Trip Right, Beat Rangers 2-1.
Texas will counter Lopez with right-hander Jacob deGrom. DeGrom enters with a 0-1 record and a 3.33 ERA.
Jacob deGrom faced the Athletics in his most recent outing on Thursday, pitching 5 1/3 innings and allowing two runs on six hits in a game Texas lost. He described feeling "close" but still having "work to do" after that start.
DeGrom has a career record of 1-1 in three starts against the Athletics. Betting Odds and Head-to-Head Stats: Rangers vs. Jacob Lopez and the Athletics, Tuesday, April 29.
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay noted Lopez's previous major league experience and the need to piece together the game.
Kotsay expressed pride in his team's recent performance, saying, "They're recognizing how to win these games, and that's the maturity, that's the growth we've been waiting for and looking for, you know, overall."
