- Full name Orionny Lopez
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Lopez doesn't have stuff that leaves scouts drooling, but he knows how to pitch and make the most of an average arm. Though his fastball hangs out in the 87-89 mph range, he keeps hitters from sitting on it by mixing in a plus curveball and changeup. He throws hitters off balance by using a deceptive delivery and maintaining the same arm action with all his pitches. He also has good command and tremendous mound presence. Lopez had a 0.50 ERA in early August last year before tiring markedly down the stretch. The White Sox want him to gain some strength, figuring that will increase his stamina and perhaps his velocity as well. He faces a longer season in low Class A this year.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Lopez was one of the league's more effective pitchers before tiring down the stretch. He doesn't throw hard, working consistently at 87-89 mph, but succeeds with a deceptive delivery and ability to command all of his pitches. He throws his fastball, plus curveball and an above-average changeup with a similar arm action. For such a young pitcher, he does a remarkable job of keeping hitters off balance. "He did a fantastic job this year," Hairston said. "He throws strikes, and he's as cool as a cucumber on the mound. He's around 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds. When he adds another 20 pounds, he could be a dominating pitcher."