GLENDALE, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- After a poor 2019 season, White Sox right-hander Reynaldo Lopez has dedicated his efforts to more than just physical and mechanical adjustments.
He also tried to clear his mind.
"You have to have confidence in yourself and your daily work," Lopez said. "My focus is on my work. I did not have that last year."
Lopez is trying to simplify his thought process, believing it can help lead to improvement after he went 10-15 with a 5.38 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 33 starts last season. To help himself achieve his goal, Lopez uses the Headspace app, which features guided meditations for its users.
"It is not that easy keeping your mind on one thing when a bunch of other things are going on at the same moment," Lopez said. "Sometimes there is too much information, and it's important to focus on one thing at a time."
Lopez knows that controlling the tempo and slowing down when he needs to is key on the mound.
"It is very important as a pitcher to do that," he said. "Because if you can't do that, the game gets by you. Controlling our tempo is the key to us in handling the situation."
Lopez has had mixed results so far this spring in his work in games on the back fields and again Tuesday, when he went three innings and allowed one run on three hits. He also struck out three and walked three.
As for the physical aspect, Lopez trained with White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito and Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard in Los Angeles for much of the offseason. He hopes to utilize the advice he received.
"I learned a lot just being around them each day," Lopez said. "Every time one of us threw a bullpen session, the other two were there. We all shared information. I also learned about the pitches (and different grips). I learned a lot, and I think there is plenty more to learn."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
