Arturo

Lopez

Lopez posted an ugly 6.44 ERA, 1.94 WHIP and 81/32 K/BB ratio in 86 2/3 innings last season in the Mexican League. He’s doubtful to climb all the way to San Diego.

Lopez, the last cut from the Padres’ bullpen before Opening Day, had a 3.14 ERA in 14 1/3 innings out of the pen for Portland. He’ll be used in middle relief.

We were guessing that Lopez would make it, barring a late pickup, but the team opted for Luke Gregerson, the player to be named later in the Khalil Greene deal, as the last man in their pen.

The Mets may be searching for a better second lefty than Jon Switzer, who allowed a home run to lefty Hideki Matsui in his first appearance as a Met, then two runs in his second. Lopez, for what it’s worth, has allowed lefties to hit just .200 at Triple-A this season. He’s been assigned to Triple-A Buffalo.

Lopez spent a little over a week up on the big league level, allowing five earned runs and three walks over just 2 1/3 innings. He’s likely to spend a good amount of time at Triple-A before his next call-up.

He was cleared in order to make room for new catcher Rod Barajas on the 40-man roster. Lopez, who turned 27 yesterday, was claimed off waivers from the Padres last June, but spent the rest of the season with Triple-A Buffalo.

Lopez was designated for assignment earlier this week but drew little-to-no interest on the waiver wire. He’s back in Mets camp.