The Braves have offered right-hander Rodrigo Lopez a contract, says Jayson Stark, by way of MLB Trade Rumors. The contract is said to be a non-roster deal with a Spring Training invite, including incentives. Lopez is mulling over offers from the Braves, Mets and Rockies.
↵Lopez was actually given 200 innings with the Diamondbacks last season, recording a 5.00 ERA, 5.21 FIP and 4.70 xFIP. He had a decent run with the Orioles from 2002 to 2006, but even then the numbers weren't that great. He has a career ERA of 4.85 and FIP of 4.68. He maintains good walk rates with a career BB/9 of 2.76.
↵His problem is a lack of strikeouts, recording a career K/9 of 5.84, including 5.22 in 2010. This, combined with a career HR/9 of 1.33 and GB% of 42%, means Lopez is one of those ticking time bombs that is open to implosion, or at the very least just a decent mid-4 ERA.
↵If Lopez signs with the Braves, his destination is likely Gwinnett as an option in case a starter goes down from injury. Even then, he shouldn't be the first option due to Brandon Beachy. I'm sure he realizes the Braves aren't his best option if he wants 150+ innings in the majors. It's tough to imagine him taking a minor league role after 200 innings the previous year.