Alejo Lopez Stays Hot At Triple-A, Could Return To Majors
Atlanta Braves infield prospect Alejo Lopez has enjoyed an excellent season at Triple-A Gwinnett but has been especially impressive as of late and could be a candidate to return to the majors. Across his past seven games, Lopez has been riding a stellar .500/.559/.750 line with three doubles, two triples, 14 RBI, and a 4:3 BB:K ratio. Through 96 games at Triple-A, the infielder has posted a strong .308/.394/.393 line with 17 doubles and 21 stolen bases. Lopez has had a handful of minor stints in the big leagues with Cincinnati over the past few seasons but has never had an extended opportunity. With the recent injury to All-Star third baseman Austin Riley (hand), who is expected to miss approximately six to eight weeks, Lopez could be promoted to serve as a depth option in the Atlanta infield.
The Atlanta Braves signed free-agent infielder Alejo Lopez to a minor-league deal. The Cincinnati Reds took Lopez off their 40-man roster in early October, and he opted to become a free agent. He made just one appearance for the Reds in the big leagues this year and has played in 74 big-league games over the last three seasons, going 45-for-170 (.265) with a home run, six doubles, a triple, 11 RBI, three stolen bases and 19 runs scored in 181 plate appearances. The 27-year-old will look to make an impression with the Braves in spring training next year, but he'll likely begin the 2024 season in the minor leagues.
Infielder Alejo Lopez has reportedly cleared waivers, per a tweet from MLB.com's Mark Sheldon on Tuesday. Also per the same tweet from Sheldon, Lopez is reportedly back with the Cincinnati Reds on a minor-league deal. The 26-year-old hit .262 with a .314 on-base percentage in 156 plate appearances for the National League Central club last season, adding a home run and three stolen bases in the process. Lopez also saw playing time at second base, third base and in both outfield corners. He'll provide the Reds some additional depth around the diamond heading into spring training and the 2023 season.
The Cincinnati Reds designated infielder/outfielder Alejo Lopez for assignment on Wednesday to make room for recently acquired outfielder Will Benson on the active roster. If Lopez isn't claimed off waivers or traded, he could return to the Reds as minor-league infield and outfield depth. The 26-year-old from Mexico played in 59 games for the Reds in 2022 in his second big-league season and hit .262/.314/.331 with a .645 OPS, one home runs, 10 RBI, 15 runs scored and three stolen bases in 156 plate appearances. Lopez is mainly useful for his defensive versatility and has very little upside with the lumber.
Cincinnati Reds infielder Alejo Lopez was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Friday. Lopez played sparingly for the big club this season but fared relatively well, compiling five hits and three runs throughout 17 at-bats. Although the 25-year-old isn't expected to see consistent playing time, he is someone to keep an eye on moving ahead, primarily if he gets a more prominent role at some point down the line.
Alejo Lopez
• 2B
•
Braves
