Lopez's velocity on all his pitches was down significantly during the spring. He averaged 93.3 MPH on his fastball in his final spring start, down from 95.5 MPH in 2024. The late-season shoulder issue, followed by diminished Spring Training velocity, is the exact opposite of what you'd want to see with Lopez given his career arc. He finished the spring with a 5:4 K:BB across 13 IP. He maxed out at 72 pitches. San Diego was the most difficult strikeout matchup in the league for righties in 2024. Their 17.8% K% vs. right-handed pitching was 1.4% lower than the next-closest team (Houston). Tonight's projected lineup had a 17.1% K% against righties last season.