The Reds announced Monday that they’ve designated minor league right-hander Jose Lopez for assignment. His roster spot will go to lefty Zach Duke, whose previously reported one-year contract to return to Cincinnati is now official.
Lopez, 25, isn’t that far removed from ranking as one of the Cincinnati organization’s more promising young arms. However, after pitching to a combined 2.57 ERA with 8.8 K/9, 3.0 BB/9 and a 44 percent ground-ball rate between Class-A Advanced and Double-A in 2017, the Dominican-born righty took a step back in 2018. This past season, Lopez turned in a 4.47 ERA with 7.5 K/9, 2.6 BB/9, 1.21 HR/9 and a significantly diminished 29.1 percent ground-ball rate in 141 innings.
The Reds have spent much of the offseason bolstering their pitching depth. The additions of Sonny Gray, Tanner Roark and Alex Wood not only create a difficult path for Lopez to make the big league roster, they also push several would-be MLB arms back down the ladder to the minors, which apparently further squeezed Lopez out of the 40-man picture. Cincinnati does have a pair of out-of-options arms in Robert Stephenson and Matt Wisler, though apparently the organization is more optimistic about that duo than Lopez.
That said, Lopez performed reasonably well up until reaching the minors’ top level and still has a pair of minor league options remaining, which could certainly make him appealing to other clubs that are thin on starting pitching and/or looking to build flexibility on the pitching staff with optionable upper-minors depth. He’s the type of arm that it’s tough to sneak through waivers, although clubs have a bit less 40-man flexibility this time of year, which could play to the Reds’ advantage should they attempt to outright Lopez.
I liked Jose, hopefully the Reds can still retain him.
He’s 25.(not 24) but he has 2 options left, someone should claim him.
Whoops. Thanks for that.
I agree, they should have went on and designated Matt Wisler or Robert Stephenson since they’re out of options and probably won’t make the team.
I’d guess one will make the 25 man as a long reliever. They probably feel that they are worth one more look before the club moves on from them.
Reds management does the weirdest things as Zake Duke only signed a one year year contract along with Puig, Kemp, Wood, and Roark
Can you imagine anyone signing Zach Duke to a 2 (or more) year contract at this point of his career?
How is it “weird”?
If the O’s dont grab this guy they are inept. He probably wont be all that great, but a guy with his minors numbers the past few years with options remaining is a fine get for a pitching-hungry rebuilding club.
My thoughts exactly!
Hmmm is it worth it to Zaidi! Who goes now!
Hoping that the Angels take a look at him.