Rodrigo Lopez to Re-Join Phils

Fernando Ballesteros of Puro Béisbol first reported that right-handed veteran Rodrigo Lopez has signed a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training with the Phillies. Lopez can make up to $1 million should he play with the Phillies the entire year. Lopez, 37, posted a 5.68 ERA in four games for the Cubs last year, spending most of the year in Triple-A Iowa, where he posted a 5.28 ERA in 18 games. Lopez memorably was a stopgap starter for the Phillies in 2009, earning three wins in his first four Phillies’ starts, with three quality starts.

Analysis: It never hurts to have too much pitching. Lopez fits within the budget if he gets brought to the big club, can pitch well enough to fake it in a spot start, and can clear waivers if he needs to be sent back down after a spot start. Solid but unspectacular move to bring back a cult favorite from the 2009 squad.