Triple-A Poses A Challenge For Lopez

MILWAUKEE—Though righthander Jorge Lopez won the Southern League pitcher of the year award in 2015 at Double-A Biloxi, the Brewers knew he would be challenged by moving to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

After all, few pitchers find hitter-friendly Security Service Field an inviting place to work.

Not even the Brewers expected the 23-year-old Lopez to struggle to the extent he did, however. Through the first three months, he went 1-5, 5.97 with an alarming 1.87 WHIP through 14 starts and 66 innings.

Lopez’s struggles couldn’t be attributed solely to the environment at Colorado Springs, where he recorded a 6.16 ERA, because he also went 0-5, 6.51 on the road.

A 2011 second-round pick from high school in Puerto Rico, Lopez had a decent seven-start stretch toward midseason that included a 3.99 ERA. But his progress stalled on June 23, when he reeled off a four-start stretch that included a 8.68 ERA, .349 opponent average and 29 hits, including seven homers, in 19 innings.

Because few pitchers put up great numbers with the Sky Sox, the Brewers are reliant on reports from the field staff to determine how pitchers are throwing the ball.

“The reports on Jorge have been better than the line scores, especially lately, which has been encouraging,” general manager David Stearns said in early July.

“What he is experiencing right now is probably a combination of a challenging environment in the Pacific Coast League, along with a promotion to Triple-A against more-experienced hitters and going through that league for the first time.

“It’s not unusual for prospects to hit a road bump, and we think he’s going to be able to fight through it. We know Colorado Springs is a very challenging environment to pitch in. The entire industry knows that. It’s no secret.”

The Brewers’ player-development contract with the Sky Sox expires after the 2016 season, but they would need to find an open affiliate to make a move. Otherwise, they will have to re-up for at least two more years.

MICROBREWS

• Biloxi second baseman Nick Shaw, who had played in the system since being drafted in the 25th round in 2010, announced his retirement from baseball.

• The Brewers assigned center fielder Corey Ray, the No. 5 overall pick this year out of Louisville, to high Class A Brevard County, one of the organization’s most aggressive assignments for a draft pick in many seasons.