Lopez was released by the Nationals on Monday, per MLB's transactions log.

EDGE Analysis

Lopez was removed from the 40-man roster Saturday and is now set to test free agency following Monday's move. He struggled to a 5.84 ERA and 1.46 WHIP with nine strikeouts and one save (two blown saves) over 12.1 frames in May prior to his release.

The Nationals designated Lopez for assignment Saturday, Spencer Nusbaum of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

After posting a 2.89 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 53 innings between the Mets and Cubs last season, Lopez has begun 2025 by accumulating a 6.57 ERA and 1.30 WHIP through 24.2 frames. His poor performance will now cause his time in Washington to come to an abrupt end, and Eduardo Salazar will replace him in the Nats' bullpen.

Lopez struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his first save of the season in a 3-0 win over the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

With Kyle Finnegan battling shoulder fatigue, Lopez stepped up in the ninth for the Nationals and fired eight of nine pitches for strikes to get the job done. The 32-year-old right-hander has had some rough stretches this season, but Lopez has reeled off five straight scoreless appearances while collecting a win and two holds, plus Saturday's save. It's not clear how long Finnegan might be unavailable, but the Nats haven't yet placed him on the injured list. If the team's regular closer does end up needing a lengthier absence, Jackson Rutledge -- who had pitched Thursday and Friday -- might join Lopez in the ninth-inning mix given the latter's 6.00 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 16:6 K:BB through 24 innings on the year.

Lopez (6-0) picked up the win Friday against the Orioles, giving up two hits and striking out one in a scoreless eighth inning.

EDGE Analysis

Once again, the veteran right-hander was in the right place at the right time to vulture a victory, as Lopez entered the game with the score tied 3-3 and watched unlikely hero Nasim Nunez drive home the winning run in the top of the ninth on an infield single. Lopez is tied with five starting pitchers for the major-league lead in wins, a list that includes Max Fried, Hunter Brown and Robbie Ray, but that's come at a price for his fantasy investors -- he has a 7.20 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 14:6 K:BB through 20 innings.

Lopez (1-0) picked up the win Wednesday against the Orioles, allowing one run on one hit over 1.2 innings of relief. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

After Jose Ferrer loaded the bases with one out in the seventh inning and the Nationals were nursing a 3-1 lead, Lopez was brought in to escape the jam and allowed only one of the inherited runners to cross the plate. The right-hander then ran into his own trouble in the eighth after Jordan Westburg led off the frame with a triple and came around to score, tagging Lopez with his first blown save of the year. He got bailed out when Washington broke the tie in the bottom of the eighth. Lopez has struggled to handle a high-leverage role to begin the season, posting a 9.00 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 6:4 K:BB through 10 innings with two holds and zero saves in addition to Wednesday's win.

Lopez had his three-game suspension reduced to two games following his appeal to MLB, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lopez was ejected from Wednesday's game against the Pirates after inciting a bench-clearing brawl when he threw near Andrew McCutchen's head in the seventh inning. Lopez was initially handed a three-game suspension by MLB, but he was able to reduce that to two games, meaning he'll be available out of the Nationals' bullpen for the second leg of Sunday's doubleheader against the Rockies.

MLB announced Thursday that Lopez has been suspended three games for intentionally throwing at the Pirates' Andrew McCutchen in Wednesday's 6-1 loss, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports. Lopez will appeal the suspension and will remain available for Thursday's series finale in Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

After hitting Bryan Reynolds with a pitch with two outs in bottom of the seventh, Lopez threw near McCutchen's head three pitches later and incited a benches-clearing brawl. Lopez was ejected from the contest, as was Reynolds for his role in the ensuing brawl. The right-hander was the only player issued a suspension for the incident, however, though Nationals manager Dave Martinez was also handed a one-game ban that he'll serve Thursday. Until his hearing takes place or unless he drops the appeal, Lopez will remain eligible to appear in games for Washington.

Lopez was ejected from Wednesday's game against the Pirates, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lopez hit Bryan Reynolds with a pitch in the seventh inning and threw a pitch near Andrew McCutchen's head during the following at-bat. Lopez and McCutchen then had a heated exchange of words, which led to both benches clearing and the reliever's removal from the game. It remains to be seen whether he will face further discipline from Major League Baseball.

Lopez (illness) tossed a scoreless inning in his return to the mound Sunday against the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Lopez was not available to pitch for the Nationals' first two games of the season due to illness, per Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com. He feels good now, though, needing just five pitches to dispose of the Phillies in order during his appearance Sunday.

Lopez (hip) will make an appearance during Friday's Grapefruit League contest versus the Marlins, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lopez hasn't pitched since March 10 due to a left hip issue but has been cleared to return to game action. Barring a setback, he'll be ready to go for Opening Day. Lopez is projected to serve as a setup man ahead of closer Kyle Finnegan.