Athletics’ Jacob Lopez prepared for demotion after getting roughed up by Yankees

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Athletics’ Jacob Lopez prepared for demotion after getting roughed up by Yankees

Originally posted on MLB on ClutchPoints
By Alex House, ClutchPoints | Last updated Jun 1, 2026 9:53 AM ET

Jacob Lopez did not need to be humbled on Sunday afternoon. The left-handed pitcher already faced loads of adversity long before he served a role in one of the biggest single-inning disasters in Athletics history, so he knows how impermanent life in the MLB can be. Experience does not always soften the blow of disappointment, however. A’s fans saw a man coming to grips with his harsh reality in real time following Sunday’s 13-8 loss to the New York Yankees.

Lopez, who was charged with seven of the 13 runs that were stunningly scored in the top of the third, revealed that he was being sent to the minor leagues after his rough performance. The former 26th-round draft pick also hinted at some injury problems, which hopefully explains at least part of the catastrophe that transpired in Sutter Health Park.

“I’m gonna go to Triple-A {Las Vegas} and figure it out,” Lopez said, per Sean Cunningham of KCRA News. “Yeah, it sucks, because first two innings were good {and} the offense gave us three runs right away, {so} just not being able to do your job really sucks… I’m gonna get healthy, regain confidence and try to get back here.”

A’s starting pitcher Jacob Lopez talks about the dreadful 3rd inning and says he’s headed to Triple-A Las Vegas to “get healthy, regain confidence and try to get back here.” pic.twitter.com/meXAuUDttf

— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) June 1, 2026

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay confirmed Lopez’s demotion and alluded to other roster changes as well, emphasizing the sense of urgency that is permeating the ballclub amid its late-May slide. A 40-plus-minute barrage should have a sobering effect on everyone, but the beleaguered southpaw is obviously taking it especially hard.

After cruising through the first two frames and striking out both Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger, Jacob Lopez completely unraveled when he returned to the mound in the third. The 28-year-old was certainly not the only A’s hurler to combust on this day, though. Veteran righty Michael Kelly gave up six runs in 2/3 of an inning. Shockingly, the Yankees inflicted all their damage without hitting even one home run. But such a fact will give Lopez little comfort.

The Granada Hills, California native brings a 6.75 ERA to the Las Vegas Aviators and is now at a crossroads. He must process his current situation and then make the necessary changes to reestablish himself as a big-league pitcher. Fortunately, this man is battle-tested.

Lopez would have gone undrafted under the modern format. His MLB status has always been precarious, and yet, he has managed to log 40 appearances in The Show to this point of his career. Do not count him out just yet.

While the Athletics (28-31) try to get back on course during a six-game road trip, Lopez will begin a crucial period of rediscovery.

This article first appeared on MLB on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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