San Francisco Giants: Former San Francisco Giant Javier Lopez Announces His Retirement

Former San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Javier Lopez announced his retirement, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. Lopez pitched for seven seasons with the Giants, helping the team win three World Series championships.

“More than anything, it’s just time,” Lopez said. “It’s a young man’s game. Although I think I can compete, it’s getting harder and harder to get ready for spring.

Lopez was originally a fourth round pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks before becoming a Rule 5 draft pick of the Boston Red Sox in 2002. Lopez won his first World Series ring with the 2007 Red Sox.

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In 14 seasons, Lopez appeared in 839 games for five teams. Ultimately, his greatest success was in San Francisco. Lopez was acquired by the Giants at the 2010 trade deadline along with relief pitcher Ramon Ramirez from the Pittsburgh Pirates for John Bowker.

Lopez was a left-handed specialist who helped the Giants win the 2010 World Series. He faced potent left-handed hitters like Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Josh Hamilton in the NLCS and World Series.

He would continue his success in the postseason in 2012 and 2014. He only allowed two earned runs in his playoff career as a Giant, and zero in the World Series in his career.

Lopez was honored at the end of the 2016 season along with shortstop Brandon Crawford with the Willie Mac Award. The award is given annually to the team’s most inspirational player.

Next: Javier Lopez Top 5 Moments as a Giant

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