Javier Lopez, the submarining left-hander who became a pivotal reliever for the Giants in three World years, has announced his retirement.
“More than anything, it’s just time,” Lopez told Fox Sports. “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, 39, won four World Series rings, three for the Giants and one for the Red Sox. He became part of the Giants so-called Core Four relievers who all contributed to three championships in San Francisco.
Jeremy Affeldt preceded Lopez in retirement last winter.