Cubs reunite with Nicky Lopez on MLB deal

Nicky Lopez will suit up on the North Side after all.

The Chicago Cubs signed the veteran infielder, who failed to crack their roster out of spring training, to a major-league contract Wednesday.

Lopez, who was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels last week, initially joined the Cubs organization on a minor-league deal in February. He impressed during spring training, hitting .450/.542/.550 with four walks over 24 Cactus League appearances but was granted his release after being told he wouldn't make the team.

He subsequently caught on with the Angels on an MLB deal. He appeared in just six games - one of which came as a pitcher - before being cut when Zach Neto returned from the injured list. Lopez didn't record a hit during his brief stint in Anaheim.

Lopez will provide the Cubs with some middle infield depth on the bench. The team needs help in that area after optioning top prospect Matt Shaw to Triple-A Iowa last week.

The 30-year-old, who spent last season across town with the White Sox, is a lifetime .247/.311/.313 hitter with seven home runs, 152 RBIs, and 47 stolen bases over parts of seven big-league seasons.

The Cubs also selected veteran left-hander Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A. Pomeranz, 36, was acquired from the Seattle Mariners in a minor trade Monday. He hasn't pitched in the majors since 2021.

To make room for Lopez and Pomeranz on the 40-man roster, Chicago DFA'd infielder Gage Workman and transferred left-hander Justin Steele to the 60-day IL. Right-hander Gavin Hollowell was also optioned to Iowa to open an active roster spot.