SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Right-hander Reynaldo Lopez, clipped for five runs in 1 1/3 innings against the Reds in his first start, was much better in his second.
He pitched three innings and held the Diamondbacks to a run, three hits and a walk and struck out three, including four-time All-Star Paul Goldschmidt twice, in the Sox’ 4-1 loss Sunday.
“It was a good sign for me because he is one of the best in the league,’’ Lopez, 23, said through a translator.
“When I faced him, I thought this was a moment I could challenge myself and see if I’m able to be in the majors. And I did that.’’
Lopez, one of the prospects acquired in the Adam Eaton deal with the Nationals, made six starts last season for the Nats and had a 4.91 ERA.
Sox personnel had Lopez at 100 mph on their radar gun. Guns vary, though, and MLB Gameday and scouts had him topping out at 96. In any event, Lopez looked good.
“I took a good step,’’ Lopez said. “I had better focus today than I did last time, and I was able to keep my pitches low in the zone.’’
One crack of the bat
In an otherwise quiet day for Sox hitters, Tyler Saladino homered to deep left-center against Tom Wilhelmsen, and Nicky Delmonico continued to make hard contact with a triple off the center-field wall.
Put me in, Coach
Peter Bourjos and Jacob May played center field, a wide-open position in camp. Manager Rick Renteria said Leury Garcia and Adam Engel, who played left, are all in the mix.
On deck
Padres at Sox, Glendale, 2:05 p.m., whitesox.com, Jered Weaver vs. James Shields.
