Cubs sign Jorge Lopez to a minor league contract, giving the veteran reliever another chance

Wed, Jun 12, 2024
MLB News (AP)

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - The Chicago Cubs have signed Jorge Lopez to a minor league contract, giving the veteran reliever another chance after an abrupt conclusion to his time with the New York Mets.

The deal was listed on the team's transactions page.

The 31-year-old Lopez threw his glove into the stands after he was ejected in the eighth inning of New York's 10-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field on May 29. Lopez then used a profanity during a bizarre and confusing postgame interview in the Mets' clubhouse.

Lopez was designated for assignment the following day, and he issued a statement apologizing to teammates, coaches, fans and the front office.

Chicago had dropped 13 of 18 going into Wednesday night's game against Tampa Bay. It began the day with a 4.47 bullpen ERA and 14 blown save opportunities.

Hector Neris was tagged for a season-high four runs in the ninth inning of Tuesday night's 5-2 loss to the Rays, including Brandon Lowe's game-ending homer.

Lopez is 1-2 with a 3.76 ERA and two saves in 28 big league appearances this year. He has pitched for six teams while compiling a 23-42 record with a 5.42 ERA and 29 saves in nine years in the majors.

Lopez made the AL All-Star team in 2022, when he went 4-7 with 23 saves and a 2.54 ERA in a total of 67 appearances for Baltimore and Minnesota.

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