The Arizona Diamondbacks lost a veteran infielder from their organization this week.
Nicky Lopez activated the release clause in his contract to become a free agent and pursue a spot with another MLB team.
The news, reported by Robert Murray, indicates that Lopez likely reached a date by which he was supposed to be called-up to MLB or otherwise could choose his own release.
Lopez is 30 years old and can play all over the infield.
This season at Triple-A Reno, Lopez was batting .267.
He has already been in three organizations this season. He previously spent time with the Cubs and Angels. For those two MLB teams on the season, Lopez was 1-for-24.
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Lopez has just one magnificent season on his MLB ledger, when he batted .300 in 2021 for the Royals.
Otherwise, he's been underwhelming, a career .245 hitter with limited power whose value comes from his versatility.
Lopez has played for the White Sox and Braves in addition to the teams already mentioned.
He likely won't be a high priority free agent, but a team out there should sign him as Triple-A depth in case of an injury at any number of positions that Lopez could fill in for at the MLB level.
In the meantime, Lopez just knows he won't be putting on a Diamondbacks uniform.
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