Jorge López: Everything you need to know

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