The Orioles announced today that they have claimed right-handed pitcher Jorge Lopez off waivers from the Royals. Lopez, 27, was designated for assignment by Kansas City on Friday. He’ll be added to the Baltimore 40-man roster, which is now full.
Lopez made just one appearance for the Royals this year before he was placed on the bereavement list. That preceded his departure from the Royals, who designated Lopez owing to his lack of minor-league options.
Once a highly-regarded prospect, Lopez has thus far failed to find success at the MLB level between stints with the Brewers and Royals, who acquired him as part of the return for Mike Moustakas. In 190 innings at the MLB level, Lopez has a 5.97 ERA while averaging a mediocre 7.4 K/9. Last year, he was a key part of the Royals’ staff, throwing the fifth-most innings on the team as he was deployed both as a starter and in relief.
Lopez should be a viable depth option for an Orioles pitching staff that has actually fared pretty well this year: the Orioles staff is sporting a 3.87 FIP, good for tenth-best in baseball. Granted, the ERA figures have lagged behind thus far, and it’s not a group of world-beaters, but there are some intriguing names in Baltimore. Lopez, if he gets a crack in the Majors, could serve as a starter or reliever for Brandon Hyde.
finally a good move
Good for him. He was terrible in KC, but he’s a good guy and I hope he finds success in Baltimore.
I was intrigued by his stats in the minors for Milwaukee early on.& thought he was someone other teams should target in trade.
Surprised it hasn’t worked out so far (in MKE & KC), but perhaps with different coaching & some more opportunities things can still fall in place for him..
Good luck Jorge…
Looks like he had a good year at AA in 2015. Since then, he hasn’t been too good. He’s also got some age on him at 27. Not exactly a prospect. Why is this a good move?
Why is it a bad move for the Orioles? If he sucks, not only can the O’s release or DFA him, but it also gets them a higher draft pick. If he’s decent, he can be a trade piece. Not really a situation where the Orioles lose.
I agree. Orioles lose nothing and have plenty to gain.
I swear I thought it said George Lopez at first. I was think promotional stunt.
Is his first name pronounced George?
Hor-hey
Yes I know. I asked because Jorge is Spanish for George. As in the comedian George Lopez.
Surprised Lopez was claimed but Skoglund and Fillmyer went unclaimed.
this guy will get shelled in Baltimore
Still waiting for the more to come.