GLENDALE, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- The White Sox took a key step toward Opening Day as right-hander Reynaldo Lopez took the mound for his spring debut Wednesday afternoon.
Lopez was pedestrian, going two innings and allow two runs on five hits and no walks while striking out one. Lopez's start marked the procession of the starting rotation getting work in the Cactus League. Lopez was the best White Sox starter in 2018, when he went 7-10 with a 3.91 ERA in 32 starts across 188 2/3 innings.
"I would say he was the most proficient pitcher we had through the course of the whole season," manager Rick Renteria said.
Lopez established himself as dependable last season with his full slate of starts, and he went six innings or more in 22 of his 32 outings.
"The next step of commanding the breaking ball would be a good goal," Renteria said. "His fastball command has been consistent. We want him to improve a little more with elevating the fastball. The breaking pitches should be his primary focus."
The White Sox have often been deliberate in rolling out their starters in spring training, part of pitching coach Don Cooper's strategy. Early on, Cooper enjoys working with pitchers in controlled settings outside of game action.
"Coop has been around a long time," Renteria said. "He knows exactly what he is doing. He knows what to do in preparing these pitchers. We trust this is the proper way of getting ready for the season."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
