The Athletics plan to option Lopez to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday, Jason Burke of Roundtable.io reports.
Lopez fell apart in the third frame of Sunday's 13-8 loss to the Yankees, allowing seven earned runs on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts over two-plus innings. After the game, manager Mark Kotsay indicated that the Athletics were hoping to get five or six innings out of Lopez on Sunday, but the lefty's inability to work deep into the start in addition to a mental miscue of not covering first base during a play in the third inning will result in him being demoted. The 28-year-old has largely struggled in 2026, posting a 4-3 record with a 6.75 ERA and 1.84 WHIP across 50.2 innings (12 appearances). The Athletics will now have two openings in their rotation during the upcoming week, as Luis Severino (shoulder) was moved to the injured list Saturday.