Brewers On Deck Notes: Jorge Lopez to pitch in WBC for Puerto Rico

The 2016 season was one of ups and downs for starting pitcher Jorge Lopez. He began the season struggling in Colorado Springs, and his struggles were so bad that he eventually was sent down to Biloxi. Following the season, he pitched in the Dominican winter league, where he shined and worked his way back into the conversation among Brewers prospects.

Following his successful winter, he is hoping to carry that over into the World Baseball Classic. Adam McCalvy notes that Jorge Lopez is feeling great and will pitch for Puerto Rico in the tournament. It’s the first report we have of a Brewer taking part in this year’s event, though we may hear more reports in the coming days as more players announce their intent to play.

Also of note, Tom Haudricourt mentioned that Lopez would willingly go back to Colorado Springs even though he struggled there last season. While the effects of Colorado Springs are evident, Lopez is willing to face the challenge of pitching in that environment if he is placed there. We still don’t know what the Brewers strategy will be this year with placing their pitching prospects, but at least Lopez won’t resist the possibility.

All of this is good news for Lopez coming out of a rough 2016 season. His stock is on the rise again, and all of these new developments are positive. Hopefully it will continue to go up as he pitches in the WBC and then works towards another major league appearance in 2017.