Today the Cubs acquired pitcher Rodrigo Lopez from the Atlanta Braves for minor league pitcher Ryan Buchter. Jim Hendry said “he wanted a veteran swingman who can either start or pitch out of relief.” Lopez definitely brings that to the club.
Lopez is in his 10th major league season. The 35-year-old has pitched with in the big leagues with the Padres, Orioles, Rockies, Phillies and Diamondbacks. He did not pitch with the Braves in the big leagues, just in Triple A. He has posted a 6-1 record with a 2.59era. He surrendered 14 walks but struck out 44 batters in 59 innings with the Gwinnett Braves. All have come as a starter. In the major leagues, Lopez has posted a 75-82 record with a 4.85era and has walked 385 but has 809 strike outs. Those have come as a starter and out of relief.
Ryan Buchter who the Braves acquired from the Cubs is 24 years old and has had OK success in the minors. This year Buchter had a 4-0 record with a 3.38era and has walked 3 but struck out 17. All has come out of relief. Buchter has pitched for High Single A (Daytona Cubs) and Double A (Smokies) this year in the Cubs minor league system.
Lopez would have to be placed on the 40 man-roster and the Cubs will have to make a move to do so. Either a player will be DFA or just outright release to make a spot. Also, the Cubs will have to make a move to the 25-man roster if he joins the club right away. My guess it’ll be Justin Berg and then Scott Maine will be sent down on Saturday when Randy Wells is activated from the DL. It can be vice versa too.
I’m neutral on the trade. Buchter was not going to make the Cubs any time soon, if ever. So, loosing him means nothing. It was a pretty good player to trade if Hendry had to choose a player. Lopez may come in and produce really well but I would rather have the Cubs play the young arms over a 35-year-old righty. So, all in all neither the Cubs or Braves lost the trade. Just a minor move that may or may not help the clubs. Only time will tell on both sides.
