Nicky Lopez Signs With Rangers And Replaces Justin Foscue
Nicky Lopez signed with the Texas Rangers on Wednesday and was added to the roster before their game against the Houston Astors. He went straight into the lineup at second base, giving Texas a quick infield fix after Andrew McCutchen was designated for assignment.
Lopez Joins Texas At Second Base
Texas installed Lopez at second base and replaced Justin Focsue. He then went 0-for-3 against Jacob deGrom, a rough first game in a uniform that came after the Cubs had designated him for assignment last weekend and he entered free agency.
Lopez said, “I’m glad I’m sharing the diamond with Jacob deGrom now,” and “I don’t ever wanna see him again.” He had faced deGrom three times and did not have a hit.
Rangers Need Infield Coverage
The move gave the Rangers an experienced utility infielder at a time when Josh Smith and Corey Seager were on the injured list and expected to need at least a couple more weeks before returning. Lopez can play every infield position, and most of his experience is at second base and shortstop.
That versatility fits Texas quickly. Lopez slid over to shortstop midway through the game when Ezequiel Duran left with an illness, showing why the Rangers could use him as more than a one-position stopgap.
Lopez Brings Defense First
Since his MLB debut in 2019 with Kansas City, Lopez has played in 694 games and posted a.245/.309/.310 slash line with seven career home runs. He has four seasons with 10 or more doubles and owns an overall.989 fielding percentage, including.990 at second base.
His track record also includes leading the American League while playing shortstop for the Royals in 2021. For Texas, the immediate gain is not power; it is a player who can cover the infield while the roster waits for Smith and Seager to return.
