Jose

Lopez

Lopez returns to Tampa Bay’s organization after being released earlier this month. The 24-year-old lefty made one relief appearance for the Rays back in early June.

Lopez passed through waivers unclaimed after being designated for assignment over the weekend and will test the free agent waters rather than head back to Triple-A Durham. The 24-year-old southpaw reliever made his big-league debut earlier this season for the Rays.

Lopez has been jettisoned from Tampa Bay’s 40-man roster to make room for Elvin Rodriguez to ascend to the majors ahead of Friday’s series opener against the Braves.

Lopez gave up one run in his two innings of work on Saturday and will head back to the minors as Ryan Thompson was activated from the injured list.

Lopez was picked up by the Padres in the Rule 5 Draft last December, but wound up being returned to Tampa Bay at the conclusion of spring training. The 24-year-old left-hander has earned his first call up to the majors after posting a pedestrian 5.19 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 27/13 K/BB ratio across 26 innings (23 appearances, one start) this season for Triple-A Durham.

The 24-year-old southpaw was taken by the Padres in the Rule 5 draft, but he failed to make the team’s Opening Day bullpen after registering a 9.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP with six strikeouts over six innings in Cactus League play. He’ll continue to function as bullpen depth for the Rays.

Lopez, 23, was effective for Triple-A Durham with 95 strikeouts and a 2.43 ERA over 59 1/3 innings in 42 appearances with the Bulls. The southpaw also walked 39 in that timeframe, and the self-inflicted damage could keep him from earning a roster spot this spring. Still, the swing-and-miss ability on top of throwing from the left side gives Lopez a shot.