Command Issues Continue: Jacob Lopez Searches for Answers After Tough Start
Command Issues Continue: Jacob Lopez Searches for Answers After Tough Start
Athletics left-hander Jacob Lopez is facing a crossroads early in the 2026 season. After a rocky outing against the Texas Rangers on Thursday, where he battled through five innings but struggled significantly with his command, the 28-year-old pitcher is searching for the mechanical consistency that made him a promising part of the rotation. Lopez allowed two runs on three hits, but it was the four walks that truly hindered his ability to pitch deep into the game, leaving the A's bullpen exposed for a late-game collapse.
Lopez’s season stats reflect a pitcher struggling to find the strike zone. Through 18.1 innings pitched this year, he has already surrendered 17 walks, contributing to a bloated 7.43 ERA and a 2.18 WHIP. Despite having the stuff to compete—ranking in the 79th percentile for strikeout projection—the inability to limit free passes has turned every start into a high-stress marathon. For a team like the Athletics, who rely on their starters to eat innings, Lopez's inefficiency is becoming a significant hurdle.
Analyzing the Mechanical Flaws
The southpaw was reflective following the 9-6 loss to Texas, acknowledging that his delivery felt "out of sync" at times. "I'm just not hitting my spots when I need to," Lopez admitted. His cut-fastball usage has risen this season, but the effectiveness hasn't followed, as hitters are often able to lay off the pitch when it misses outside. The Rangers took advantage of this, working deep counts and forcing Lopez to throw over 90 pitches just to get through the fifth inning.
The Athletics' coaching staff has been working with Lopez on his landing point and arm slot, hoping to find the release point that allowed him to be effective in 2025. While his strikeout rate remains respectable at nearly 8 per nine innings, the "blow-up" potential is always present when the bases are constantly occupied by walk-prone batters. The contrast in the Texas game was stark; while Lopez limited the damage, the constant traffic eventually wore down the defense behind him.
Impact on the Athletics' Staff
With the A's currently sitting at 10-9, every start from the rotation is under a microscope. The team's pitching leaders, such as Jeffrey Springs, have provided stability, but the back end of the rotation featuring Lopez and Luis Medina has been volatile. The A's bullpen, which eventually surrendered four runs in the ninth inning against Texas, is being taxed heavily due to these short starts. Manager Mark Kotsay has emphasized the need for Lopez to "attack the zone and trust his defense," but that is easier said than done when the feel for the ball isn't there.
Lopez’s next start will be a crucial test of his adjustments. The Athletics are expected to face a disciplined lineup that will once again test his patience. If the walk rate doesn't trend downward, the organization may be forced to reconsider his role in the rotation, potentially moving him to a long-relief spot to find his rhythm without the pressure of a starting assignment.
A Look at the Numbers
A deep dive into the analytics shows that Lopez's fastball velocity is sitting around 90.1 mph, which ranks in the lower percentiles for Major League starters. Without elite heat, command becomes paramount. His 21.5% cutter usage is a career high, but it has yet to become a reliable secondary offering. The Athletics remain hopeful that the Granada Hills native can turn things around, citing his high "strikeout ability" as a reason for continued patience.
As the A's head into the weekend, the focus remains on the starting five. For Jacob Lopez, the goal is simple but difficult: find the plate. Until he does, the "search for answers" will continue to be the dominant story every time he takes the mound at Sutter Health Park.
