Rafael Manuel Lopez (born October 2, 1987) is an American professional baseball catcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Toronto Blue Jays, and San Diego Padres.
| Raffy Lopez | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Free agent | |
| Catcher | |
| Born: October 2, 1987 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
Bats: Left Throws: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| September 2, 2014, for the Chicago Cubs | |
| MLB statistics (through 2018 season) | |
| Batting average | .184 |
| Home runs | 7 |
| Runs batted in | 26 |
| Teams | |
Career edit
Chicago Cubs edit
Lopez attended Summit Christian High School in Wellington, Florida, and Florida State University, where he played college baseball for the Florida State Seminoles. The Chicago Cubs selected Lopez in the 16th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft.[1] Lopez was called up to the majors for the first time on September 2, 2014.[2] He was optioned to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs on March 16, 2015, and designated for assignment on June 27.[2]
Los Angeles Angels edit
The Cubs traded Lopez to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for pitching prospect Manuel Rondon on July 3, 2015.[2] He was released by the Angels on December 23, 2015.[3]
Detroit Tigers edit
Lopez signed with the Detroit Tigers organization on January 4, 2016.[2] He was assigned to the Toledo Mud Hens on January 12, and released on April 2.[2]
Cincinnati Reds edit
On May 3, 2016, Lopez signed a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds.[2] He was brought up to the major league squad on August 27.[4] On October 10, he was outrighted off the 40-man roster to the Triple-A Louisville Bats.[2] On November 7, 2016, Lopez elected free agency.[2]
Toronto Blue Jays edit
On February 16, 2017, Lopez signed a minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.[5] On August 4, Lopez was called up to the majors to replace the injured Miguel Montero.[6] Lopez hit his first Major League home run in a 7–6 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on August 23.[7] He was outrighted to Triple-A on November 6, 2017,[8] and elected free agency later that day.[9]
San Diego Padres edit
On December 7, 2017, Lopez signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.[10] His contract was purchased by the Padres on March 28, 2018, and he was assigned to the Opening Day roster.[11] Lopez was recalled from the El Paso Chihuahuas on May 1.
Atlanta Braves edit
On November 1, 2018, Lopez was traded to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.[12] On March 22, 2019, after appearing in spring training with the Braves, Lopez was assigned to Triple-A affiliate Gwinnett Stripers to begin the 2019 season.[13] Six days later, the Braves designated Lopez for assignment.[14] Lopez was outrighted on April 4, 2019. He elected free agency following the 2019 season.
References edit
- ^ http://www.knoxnews.com/sports/rafael-lopez-keeping-busy-and-catching-on-with Rafael Lopez keeping busy and catching on with the Tennessee Smokies
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Raffy Lopez Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
- ^ "Angels' Rafael Lopez: Released by Angels". December 23, 2015. Retrieved August 27, 2016.
- ^ "Reds' Rafael Lopez: Called up to majors". August 27, 2016. Retrieved August 27, 2016.
- ^ "Blue Jays' Raffy Lopez: Inks minor league deal with Toronto". CBS Sports. February 16, 2017. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
- ^ "Blue Jays' Raffy Lopez: Gets called up Friday". CBSSports.com. Retrieved 2017-08-04.
- ^ Longley, Rob (August 23, 2017). "Blue Jays blast 6 home runs in win over Rays". slam.canoe.com. Archived from the original on August 24, 2017. Retrieved August 23, 2017.
- ^ Nicholson-Smith, Ben (November 6, 2017). "Blue Jays claim right-hander Taylor Guerrieri on waivers from Rays". Sportsnet. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
- ^ Eddy, Matt (November 7, 2017). "Minor League Free Agents 2017". Baseball America. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
- ^ "Padres' Raffy Lopez: Inks deal with Padres". cbssports.com. December 7, 2017. Retrieved December 7, 2017.
- ^ "Padres' Raffy Lopez: Makes Opening Day roster". cbssports.com. March 28, 2018. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
- ^ "Braves acquire catcher Lopez from Padres". MLB.com. November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
- ^ Bowman, Mark (March 22, 2019). "Minter tests shoulder by throwing live BP". MLB.com. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
- ^ Bowman, Mark (March 28, 2019). "Braves set Opening Day roster vs. Phillies". MLB.com. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
External links edit
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors)
- Florida State Seminoles bio