Otto Lopez remains hot with homer, three hits

Lopez is up to 27 thefts on the season and is a near-lock to reach the 30-steal plateau for the first time in his career. He’s cooled off considerably at the plate since last month’s All-Star break, but he’s on pace to deliver borderline first-round fantasy value this season, hitting .306 with 77 runs scored, nine homers, 59 RBI and 27 steals in 561 plate appearances.

Lopez drove in two runs on a bases-loaded single in the third inning. He later added a single and a run scored in the fifth before reaching for a third time on a walk in the seventh. The 27-year-old infielder is having an excellent season, hitting .317/.350/.470 with nine homers, 70 runs scored, 53 RBI, and 23 steals across 494 plate appearances.

McAdam spoke with a league source that indicated the chances of a deal to send Lopez to Boston are “dead” and it appears highly unlikely the Marlins will trade him. It’s purely speculation, but the Red Sox figure to be extremely reluctant to move either of their top prospects in shortstop Franklin Arias, who is tearing the cover off the ball since being promoted to Triple-A Worcester recently, and righty Anthony Eyanson, who struck out a season-high 10 batters at Double-A Portland on Friday night. The Red Sox have been linked to multiple shortstops ahead of next week’s trade deadline, but it seems highly unlikely that Lopez is going to Boston, or anywhere else at the moment.

Of course, Mead is sidelined for the next 6-8 weeks with a fractured wrist, so that plays a part in it. All of Trevor Story (sports hernia), Marcelo Mayer (forearm stress reaction), and Isiah Kiner-Falefa (forearm stress reaction) are on the injured list as well, so infield depth is a need. The Red Sox have been linked to Otto Lopez, which would require a sizable offer that “would have to start with” Boston’s second-ranked prospect RHP Anthony Eyanson.

Lopez is back at shortstop and hitting leadoff following a brief two-game absence due to right ring finger inflammation. The 27-year-old’s fascinating career odyssey has taken an unexpected turn towards superstardom this season as he’s slashing .335/.368/.505 with 61 runs scored, nine homers, 46 RBI and 18 stolen bases across 419 plate appearances through 97 games.

Lopez takes a seat for the second consecutive contest with inflammation in his right ring finger. The positive news for the Marlins, and fantasy managers, is that initial X-rays came back negative and he doesn’t appear to be facing an extended absence. The 27-year-old middle infielder has been an unexpected breakout sensation, delivering first-round fantasy value this season, slashing .335/.368/.505 with 61 runs scored, nine homers, 46 RBI and 18 stolen bases across 419 plate appearances through 97 games. It’ll be Javier Sanoja taking over at shortstop in his place on Monday night.

Lopez took a groundball off his finger on Saturday and has had a little discomfort holding a bat. His finger is taped, and he said he could be available off the bench on Sunday, which makes us believe this should not be a long-term situation. Javier Sanoja will start at shortstop in his place while Leo Jimenez starts at third base and will bat sixth for the Fish against Brewers’ left-hander Robert Gasser.

Per Marlins Communications, Lopez became the first player since Jose Altuve in 2014 to record 40 multi-hit games before the All-Star break. The breakout shortstop is hitting a league-best .345 with less than a week to go before the midsummer classic. He has increased his bat speed this season while squaring up the ball more than in the past, significantly raising his expected batting average, according to Statcast. There might be some overperformance in his stat line, but he’s been an improved player for a Marlins club that is now nine games over .500.

It makes back-to-back games where Lopez has picked up three hits and a homer. The 27-year-old also doubled and drew a walk, and in the process saw his slash improve to a remarkable — and totally unexpected — .346/.376/.520 on the season. Even if there was to be some substantial regression after the break, what Lopez has done over these first 90 games cannot be ignored. He deserves more respect for his first three months.

Lopez is hitting .336, the best mark in the majors. His 115 hits are 10 more than Luis Arraez in second place. He seems like a lock for a reserve spot on the NL All-Star team. Either CJ Abrams or Mookie Betts is going to be the starter at shortstop, though Betts probably won’t be picked for the team if he isn’t the starter.