According to multiple reports, the Cubs acquired Rodrigo Lopez from the Atlanta Braves for minor league pitcher Ryan Buchter.
Jim Hendry said Lopez will join the team on Friday and will serve as the Cubs swingman out of the pen. The 35-year old right-hander signed a minor league contract with the Braves prior to the season and posted a 6-1 record with a 2.59 ERA for Triple-A Gwinnett.
Updated – 5:50pm CDT – Justin Berg Optioned to Triple-A Iowa The Cubs have not announced the corresponding roster moves. The Cubs will have to create a spot on the 40-man roster and on the active roster. With Randy Wells expected to be activated Saturday in all likelihood Casey Coleman and Justin Berg will be sent to Iowa over the next two days.
Rodrigo Lopez was 7-16 with a 5.00 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP in 33 starts for the Arizona Diamondbacks last season. In 227 big league games, 199 starts, Lopez is 75-82 with a 4.85 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP.
Jim Hendry on Lopez from the Tribune:
“We’ve been scouring, looking for people like this. He’s had a really good year in Triple-A with the Braves…. We thought it was a good move for us, obviously with our injury situation, and even some setbacks at the Triple-A level, we felt like it was a good move.”
Rodrigo Lopez’s Page on Baseball-Reference