White Sox: 5 Players That Are Performing Well in Spring Training

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 25: Yoan Moncada #10 of the Chicago White Sox looks on in the dugout during the spring training game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium on February 25, 2019 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 15: Reynaldo Lopez #40 of the Chicago White Sox pitches in the third inning during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 15, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Reynaldo Lopez was the best player on the Sox in terms of WAR last season. With his 7-10 record, 3.91 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 2018, Lopez certainly has something to improve upon going into this upcoming season. Lopez likely won’t be the Sox ace in 2019, but he could be a very strong no. 2 starter in their rotation.

On Saturday, Lopez had his best outing of the Spring against the Texas Rangers. In four innings pitched, Lopez allowed just one earned run and recorded seven strikeouts. Lopez has a 6.75 ERA this Spring, but his start on Saturday could go a long way in helping the young right-hander to start the 2019 season on a good note.

The Sox starting rotation will need to be much better in 2019 than it was in 2018. This is fairly obvious. Lopez will be key to the Sox pitching success this season. If he can have more outings like he did this past Saturday, he can certainly have a better season than he did in his first full season pitching in the Majors last year.

Lopez can become a formidable second starter in the Sox starting rotation for years to come. If Lopez is able to have a much better season in 2019 than in 2018, he will surely become a mainstay in the Sox rotation when they become competitive again.