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Speaking at the 7th annual Saberseminar (formally known as Sabermetrics, Scouting, and the Science of Baseball) in Boston this afternoon, Rick Hahn suggested that Reynaldo Lopez will be called up to pitch Friday against the Royals at the Rate.
Asked about pitching prospects being called up, Hahn said "Maybe buy tickets for Friday night."
— Phenomenal Source (@SouthSideSox) August 5, 2017
Jim Margalus, our man on the scene, provided additional context:
The question was from an attendee who fielded a text question from his son asking when the pitching prospects were coming up. He said it with a smile, but he clarified other jokes and not that one.
Hahn also discussed that opponents weigh into the decision to bring up a prospect. The Red Sox and the next opponent, the Astros, are both high-powered offenses. The Royals, well, not so much.
Lopez is scheduled to start for Charlotte on Sunday, which would line him up for a start on Friday. Mike Pelfrey, who starts for the White Sox against Boston tomorrow, looks like the guy who will be giving way in the rotation.
Needless to say Twitter Reynaldo Lopez is excited:
CAN IT BE TRUE? HAHN WILL FREE ME ON FRIDAY?!?! pic.twitter.com/pOMle4zzKg
— larry southsidesox (@SouthSidelarry) August 5, 2017