Rangers Minor League Insider: Frank Lopez takes aim in Double A
It’s been more than a month since left-hander Frank Lopez was promoted to Double A Frisco from High A High Desert.
After an excellent start in late May, the 21-year-old is still seeking the consistency he showed in High Desert.
After not allowing any runs in his first two starts for the RoughRiders (13 1/3 innings), Lopez has struggled every other start. Before giving up five earned runs on six hits and three walks in 3 1/3 innings in his last start July 6, he had held opponents to one run in his previous 10 innings.
For Lopez (3-2, 3.72 ERA in Double A), it’s about maintaining focus and having the confidence that he can get Double A hitters out.
“When you go out there with confidence you know you’re going to get everybody out,” said Lopez, who is learning to trust his defense by pitching to contact. “Keep the ball low so they can put the ball in play and not do any damage. I’m trying to get quick outs and trust my defense.”
Lopez was signed by the Rangers as an undrafted free agent in December 2010. He missed two months a year ago with a left forearm strain.
He uses a three-pitch mix, including fastball, curve and changeup, but he also sprinkles in a two-seam fastball and a split changeup at times.
“The game is a little bit quicker and there are better hitters,” he said. “I’m making the adjustment to learn how to get them out. The key is focusing on throwing my best pitch every pitch.”
Nick’s time
Frisco outfielder Nick Williams had one of those days he won’t soon forget. During a doubleheader Friday, Williams went 7 for 7 with a homer, two RBIs and three runs scored. He has nine hits in his past three games to raise his average to .295. He and teammate Nomar Mazara didn’t play Saturday because they’re playing in the MLB Futures Game in Cincinnati as part of the All-Star Game festivities at Great American Ball Park.
Faulkner’s relief
Frisco left-hander Andrew Faulkner was used out of the bullpen for the first time Friday night. According to reports, Faulkner, who has made 15 starts this season, threw in the mid-90s out of the bullpen. He struck out two and walked one.
June winners
The Rangers’ June Minor League Players of the Month were named earlier this week. They are:
▪ Player of the Month: Outfielder Lewis Brinson (High A High Desert)
▪ Pitcher of the Month: Right-hander Pedro Payano (Arizona Rangers)
▪ Defender of the Month: Shorstop Michael De Leon (Low A Hickory)
▪ Reliever of the Month: Left-hander Ryne Slack (High Desert)
Stefan Stevenson,
817-390-7760
Twitter: @StevensonFWST
This story was originally published July 11, 2015 at 8:19 PM with the headline "Rangers Minor League Insider: Frank Lopez takes aim in Double A."