Over the past few days Javy Lopez has been going in more circles than a NASCAR driver. Placed on outright waivers, his career in neutral, the reliever completed a strange trip, claimed Thursday by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Lopez returns to the organization that drafted him in in the fourth round in 1998. He will report to the club’s Triple-A affiliate in Tucson, joining former Rockies’ pitcher Darren Oliver.
“It’s kind of interesting. I guess I made a good impression on someone when I was there,’ Lopez said. “Anytime you are wanted by another club, it’s a good feeling.’
Familiarity should help Lopez in his push to return to the big leagues. Mark Davis, the Diamondbacks’ pitching coach, worked with Lopez when the left-hander converted to a sidearm delivery in the minor leagues.
“We had a good relationship,’ Lopez said. “I hope that helps.’
Lopez enjoyed a breakout rookie season in 2003 when he went 4-1 with a 3.70 ERA. He allowed just three runs in his first 30 appearances. An inability to retire right-handers, Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd said, made Lopez expendable.
“We just don’t have that luxury right now,’ O’Dowd said. “Everyone thinks highly of Javy. We wish him the best.’
Injury updates
Third baseman (strained right hamstring) and outfielder Dustan Mohr (sore calf) are expected to begin Triple-A rehab assignments early next week. Mohr hopes to join the Rockies during their midweek series in Philadelphia after performing running drills with no problems Wednesday.
“It feels good. Now I need to see where I am at when I push it to 100 percent,’ Mohr said.
Footnote
Tonight’s 6:35 game will be first of seven remaining this month featuring earlier start times. There are five 6:35 p.m. games and two Saturday contests at 6:05 p.m. The first home game scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m. is May 31.
