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Reynaldo López

Born: 01/04/1994 (Age: 20)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Height: 6' 1" Weight: 225
Mechanics
Athletic build; projectable body; looks taller than listed height; very good frame; high 3/4th arm slot; elite arm speed; does not have a stab but rears back and has long rotation in delivery; loop in arm action; mildly stiff on front leg and not a huge extension; able to keep hips from torquing too much; stands on first base side of rubber; keeps body compact and straight lined towards home; excellent plane and able to stay tall; fluid delivery; delivery times 1.43 - 1.56; majority of the velocity comes from elite arm speed and the long rotation on arm in delivery.
Evaluator Tucker Blair
Report Date 08/19/2014
Affiliate Hagerstown Suns (Low A, Nationals)
Dates Seen 8/19/2014
OFP 70
MLB ETA 2016
Video No
Pitch Type Future Grade Sitting Velocity Peak Velocity Report
FB 80 94-98 99 Elite velocity; explosive offering capable of reaching upper velo bands on a consistent basis; easy velo; heavy fastball off a terrific plane; shows arm-side run as well; FB has extreme life and hitters have difficult time barreling; command is very projectable; able to spot his pitches; keep ball low and was attacking hitters low all night; could be plus command in future; command wavered in final two innings when he started to tire; held velocity in stretch at 94-97 velo band; touched 97 in 6th; needs to work on attacking glove side with FB; could be one of the most electric FB from a SP in the game.
CB 60 76-80 82 11-5 offering; inconsistent currently; flashes shape and depth at its best; tight spin with good rotation through its trajectory; arm speed is consistent with FB; cast a couple; release points are slightly inconsistent but looks to still be learning feel for the pitch; best in the 76-78 velo band; could be a plus offering when he is able to throw more consistently; command is currently fringe.
CH 50 84-86 87 Able to replicate FB arm speed; pitch has feel; too firm right now but displays mild fading action; able to work low in zone and only hung one in the middle of the plate out of a dozen; command is currently below-average; release points seem to waver; repetition and refinement of CH are well in reach and could be an average pitch with more consistency.
Overall

Lopez signed with the Nationals for $17K and looks to be a steal. His FB is one of the best pitches in the minors and is the bloodline of his game. He is able to command the pitch currently, and shows pitchability at such a young age without much experience. His ability to keep the FB low and induce ground balls and weak contact is exceptional. One sequence on the night was a 98 mph FB, 86 mph CH, 98 mph FB, 82 CB for a K.

Lopez is a high risk prospect due to just reaching the Low-A level and the CB and CH still need more refinement until he is able to handle higher levels. The FB is a truly great pitch and will soar him through the minors if he can improve the secondary offerings even just mildly. This is one of the best arms I have seen all year.

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