Lopez (2-3) allowed four runs on four hits across an inning of relief to take the loss Monday against the Pirates. He struck out two.
After starter Jameson Taillon cruised through seven innings to stake Chicago to a 3-0 lead, Lopez let things slip away in the eighth. The veteran righty allowed two home runs, including a three-run shot by Bryan Reynolds, to get charged with his first blown save of the season and third loss. Lopez has still been effective overall with a 3.00 ERA across 51 innings this year, but after struggling mightily in 2023, it's fair to wonder if the 31-year-old is due for some regression down the stretch. Lopez's poor outing Monday should also strengthen Porter Hodge's grip on the closer role, at least for now.