Blue Jays prospect Otto Lopez comes up clutch for Canada in the World Baseball Classic

After a blowout 12-1 loss to the United States on Monday night, Canada was in need of a win Tuesday afternoon against Colombia to keep their hopes of advancing out of World Baseball Classic pool play alive. After superstar first baseman Freddie Freeman left the game earlier due to a strained hamstring, Canada was clinging onto a 1-0 lead entering the 8th, when Blue Jays' No.14 prospect, Otto López, stepped up to the plate and hit a triple to the gap in right-center field. Cubs prospect Owen Cassie would drive him in a few batters later, and Canada held a 2-0 lead entering the 9th.

After back-to-back singles to lead off the inning, and Blue Jays No. 15 prospect Dasan Brown on second, López once again stepped up to the plate and drove the first pitch he saw over the left field wall giving Canada a 5-0 lead. Lopez capped off his incredible performance by starting a double play in the bottom of the ninth that would help get Canada out of a jam and close out a huge win.

López has done nothing but help his case to make the Blue Jays' Opening Day roster so far in the World Baseball Classic, as he's 4-for-13 with a 1.049 OPS through three games while playing very solid defense at shortstop. Players like Cavan Biggio and Santiago Espinal will make it hard for López to crack the major league roster, but his positional versatility could be very useful for a team that has yet to lock up the fourth outfielder slot.

If you want to get a look at López yourself, Canada will face off against Mexico on Wednesday at 3 pm EST with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line. For more about what you could expect from López in 2023, check our season preview on him right here.