Proper-handed pitcher Jorge López, the veteran reliever whom the New York Mets reduce ties with two weeks in the past, and the Chicago Cubs agreed to a minor league deal Wednesday, league sources informed The Athletic.
López, 31, grew to become a free agent after the Mets designated him for project following a meltdown by which he tossed his glove into the stands and an ill-fated postgame interview. López, by way of his agent, later clarified his remarks (he’s a local of Puerto Rico and English is his second language) and accepted that his actions following an ejection throughout a sport towards the Los Angeles Dodgers had been fallacious.
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Former Met López clarifies ill-fated feedback
Earlier than issues unraveled for López two weeks in the past, he had pitched properly for the Mets and led the membership in appearances, so it’s not shocking that one other group in want of bullpen assist could be enthusiastic about including him. In 28 appearances (26 1/3 innings) for the Mets, López had a 3.76 ERA and 1.37 WHIP, principally in a job the place he pitched within the seventh inning and comparable leverage conditions.
López has performed with six groups and was an All-Star with the Baltimore Orioles in 2022.
The Cubs presently have 5 pitchers on the injured record, together with final yr’s nearer, Adbert Alzolay, in addition to Julian Merryweather and Yency Almonte, two relievers who had been anticipated to deal with setup duties this season. Their bullpen entered Wednesday with 17 losses, a 4.47 ERA and 14 blown saves.
López is anticipated to report back to the group’s Arizona complicated and attempt to work his approach again towards the majors and a spot within the Cubs bullpen.
(Photograph: Wealthy Schultz / Getty Photos)
