Royals sign Alejo Lopez to minor league contract

Lopez spent all of last season with the Braves at the Triple-A level after getting into 76 contests for the Reds from 2021 to 2023 where he posted a lackluster .639 OPS across 181 plate appearances. The 28-year-old journeyman infielder should have a clearer path to get back to the big leagues with the rebuilding Athletics. He’ll presumably compete for a bench spot in spring training, but will remain a non-factor for fantasy purposes.

Considering Williams is on the active roster, he’s likely to favorite to get the first crack at the job. The 28-year-old is just 2-for-17 in 23 games at the big league level this season but was hitting .287/.348/.508 in 46 games at Triple-A with eight home runs and 15 steals. He also hit 12 home runs and stole 28 bases in Triple-A last year with the Braves and Dodgers, so there is some mild five-category upside in deeper formats if he can hold onto the job. Both Alejo Lopez and Brian Anderson would need to be added to the 40-man roster, but Lopez is hitting .308/.394/.393 in 96 games at Triple-A with 21 steals, so he could be a speed asset if he gets an opportunity. Nacho Alvarez is currently dealing with pneumonia, which has taken him out of the running for the job, and Bowman claims there are no current plans to move Whit Merrifield to third base.

All five were in Braves camp this spring as non-roster invitees with no real shot at making Atlanta’s season-opening roster. García, López and Evans have all spent time in the big leagues, while Holmes and Walsh figure to continue providing extra organizational relief depth back at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Lopez will presumably compete for a spot next spring on Atlanta’s season-opening roster and will serve as extra organizational depth. The 27-year-old infielder has gotten into 74 games in the majors for the Reds since the 2021 campaign. He would up electing free agency earlier this month at the conclusion of the minor league season.

Lopez was added to the roster on Saturday but heads back to the minors with Jonathan India’s return to the majors on Sunday. The 27-year-old has appeared in one game with the Reds and is hitting .279/.386/.399 with Triple-A Louisville this season.

Lopez gets the call as a COVID-19 substitute player with Stuart Fairchild landing on the COVID-19 injured list ahead of Saturday’s contest against the Cardinals.

Lopez passed through waivers after being designated for assignment earlier in the week to make room for Harrison Bader. Lopez has spent the entire season at Triple-A Louisville after getting a cup of coffee or two with the Reds the past two seasons.

Lopez has been jettisoned from Cincinnati’s 40-man roster to clear space for newly-acquired outfielders Harrison Bader and Hunter Renfroe. The versatile 27-year-old hasn’t appeared in a game this season for the Reds after getting into 73 contests over the previous two years.

He’ll add depth to the Reds’ bench while Matt McLain (oblique) is stationed on the injured list. The 27-year-old was enjoying a solid season at Triple-A — hitting .282/.390/.404 with seven homers, 38 RBI and 15 stolen bases in 108 games. Michael Siani was optioned to Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move on Tuesday.

Lopez offers plenty of defensive versatility and has gotten into 73 contests over the last two seasons for Cincinnati. Bracho has made just four relief appearances in the majors over the last three years and will open the upcoming season as extra relief depth at Triple-A Louisville.