The Rays optioned Lopez to Triple-A Durham on Monday.
Tampa Bay recalled Lopez from Triple-A to make a spot start Sunday in place of Shane Baz (illness), who was unable to make his turn through the rotation while recovering from the flu. Though Lopez settled for a no-decision in his second career MLB start, he held a talented Dodgers lineup to one run on two hits and two walks over five innings. The Rays' decision to demote Lopez likely indicates that Baz will be ready to take the hill when his next turn comes up this weekend versus the Padres.