Diamondbacks’ Lopez Refines Approach

PHOENIX—Righthander Yoan Lopez’s first pro season was about as rocky as they come, but the Diamondbacks believe their high-priced Cuban import’s maturity on and off the field has allowed him to start 2016 on a better note.

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In his first three starts at Double-A Mobile, Lopez went 2-0, 1.50, and though he had struck out just eight batters in 18 innings, the D-backs say it’s more a reflection of the 23-year-old’s approach than an indictment on his stuff.

In fact, they say, his stuff has been more consistent this year than it was in 2015.

“He’s not trying to throw it by everybody,” farm director Mike Bell said. “His velocity has been fine still. It’s 92-94 (mph), but he’s making better pitches, and he’s not trying to do too much.”

Bell credits the work Lopez did with big league pitching coach Mike Butcher during spring training as the foundation to his solid start. Arizona spent about $16 million—$8 million in a signing bonus, $8 million in penalties—to acquire Lopez in January 2015.

Lopez’s debut season in 2015 was turbulent. In July, he left Mobile during a road trip without notifying the organization. Weeks later, he drilled No. 1 overall draft pick Dansby Swanson in the face during a simulated game.

His stuff varied throughout last season, sometimes dropping precipitously after the early innings. He was throwing in the mid- to upper 90s in the Arizona Fall League but did not command it well.

General manager Dave Stewart believes Lopez looks like “a different kid” in terms of his maturity and the way he approaches the game. Stewart said Lopez pitched himself into the big league conversation during spring training and that his stock has only risen since.

“He’s definitely improving himself in the pecking order, that’s for sure,” Stewart said.

SNAKE BITES

• Mobile righthanded reliever Matt Stites began his season with nine shutout innings on three hits, no walks and 10 strikeouts. “I haven’t seen Matt look like this maybe for two years,” Bell said.

• Triple-A Reno shortstop Jack Reinheimer owned the Pacific Coast League’s highest average at .424 (25-for-59) through the season’s first two weeks. “He’s been outstanding, offensively and defensively,” Bell said.