Jacob Lopez #74

Following a breakout 2018 season at College of the Canyons, Jacob’s former high school coach John Maggiora commented, “Everything he throws moves. He’s not just throwing, he’s actually pitching. But he’s a student of the game. You ask him anything about the Dodgers, certain pitchers, he’s sort of a walking encyclopedia. Just a kid that eats and breathes baseball.”...Jacob’s fastball velocity jumped from 83 mph as a high school senior to 91 mph as a college sophomore…He credited the improvement to his workout routine, believing consistent effort in the weight room taught him greater discipline...He pitched for the Perth Heat in the Australian Baseball League in 2020…Jacob, who describes himself as a “big fisherman,” enjoyed fishing on the Swan River during his time in the continent...Jacob and his girlfriend, Emily, split their time between California and Florida…They enjoy spending time outdoors with their dogs, Penny and Millie...Selected by the Giants in the 26th round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft…Forewent his commitment to Texas Tech University after being drafted...In two seasons at College of the Canyons (Calif.), helped the Cougars to a conference title as a freshman in 2017 and was named the 2018 Western State Conference East Division Pitcher of the Year.

2023

Made four appearances (one GS) in his first Major League season, going 1-0 with a 4.38 ERA (12.1IP, 6ER) and one save...Began the season with Double-A Montgomery and posted a 2.57 ERA (28.0IP, 8ER) across eight appearances (six GS)…Promoted to Triple-A Durham on May 23 and went on to make 18 starts for the Bulls, going 4-5 with a 2.72 ERA (79.1IP, 24ER)...Named Southern League Pitcher of the Week for the week of April 18-23…In two starts against Mississippi that week, he tossed 7.0 scoreless innings, allowing two hits while striking out 12 batters against one walk...On Aug. 14, had his contract selected from Durham and made his MLB debut later that day (SV, 3.0IP, 3H, 1ER, 2SO)…The California native made his debut and earned his first career save against the Giants, the team who originally drafted him in the 26th round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft...Fanned Wade Meckler for the first strikeout of his career in his debut...Became the third Ray to record a save in his MLB debut, joining Braden Bristo (April 13, 2023 vs. BOS) and Dale Thayer (May 22, 2009 at FLA)...On Oct. 1 at TOR, made his first big league start and earned the win (5.0IP, 8H, 6R, 5ER, 2BB, 4 SO)...Rated as the No. 28 prospect in the Rays organization by Baseball America following the season.