Player News
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Lopez was outrighted to Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday. Lopez appeared in the majors for the first time since 2021, picking up 71 plate appearances across the final six weeks of the regular season. He managed only a .629 OPS with a 35.2 percent strikeout rate, and he could now be looking for a new opportunity.
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Lopez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the White Sox. He took Prelander Berroa deep in the eighth inning, extending the Angels' lead to 2-0 before the team's bullpen fell apart. The long ball was the first of Lopez's career in 29 MLB games, and the 31-year-old journeyman has been on a nice little tear to close out the season, batting .417 (10-for-24) over his last nine games. He's settled into an everyday role at second base for the Halos, supplanting Brandon Drury.
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Lopez will start at shortstop and bat second Wednesday against the White Sox, Erica Weston of Bally Sports West reports. Zach Neto is getting a rare day off, so Lopez will step in at shortstop after each of his previous seven starts with the Angels had come at second base. Since receiving a call-up from Triple-A Salt Lake on Aug. 15, Lopez has slashed a dismal .065/.121/.186 with a 41.2 percent strikeout rate over 34 plate appearances.
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The Angels selected Lopez's contract from Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports. The Angels designated Willie Calhoun for assignment Thursday, so Lopez will now come up from the minors to fill the open roster spot. The 31-year-old has slashed .275/.334/.423 with 57 RBI and 15 stolen bases across 104 games in Triple-A while fielding every position other than first base. Lopez hasn't played in the majors since a brief stint with the Red Sox in 2021.
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Lopez will not make Detroit's Opening Day roster, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. Lopez is in camp with the Tigers on a minor-league deal, and he's collected five hits in only six at-bats in Grapefruit League action. Despite the impressive small-sample showing, Lopez is in line to start the season at Triple-A Toledo. The 29-year-old made his major-league debut last season with Boston, and he went 2-for-13.