Los Angeles Angels DFA 7-Year Veteran Infielder

April 19, 2025 , , ,

The Los Angeles Angels designated infielder Nicky Lopez for assignment on Friday as they reinstated shortstop Zach Neto from the injured list. 

Lopez, 30, had signed a major league deal with the Angels just before Opening Day after opting out of a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs. 

Despite a flurry of early-season infield injuries—including surgeries to Zach Neto and Anthony Rendon—Lopez saw almost no playing time in Anaheim, going 0-for-6 at the plate across five games.

The move comes as Neto returns from offseason shoulder surgery that kept him out of action until now. The former first-round pick had a breakout campaign in 2024 and is expected to immediately reclaim the starting shortstop role. 

Angels manager Ron Washington had previously said he wouldn’t rush Neto back, wanting the 24-year-old to complete a full rehab assignment. But with the Angels reeling from a four-game losing streak and sitting at 9-9, the club decided the time was right to bring him back.

With Luis Rengifo handling third base, Kyren Paris surging at second, and Tim Anderson providing reliable defense at short in Neto’s absence, Lopez became the odd man out. 

He has enough service time to reject an outright assignment, making it likely he will hit free agency in the coming days. Known more for his glove than his bat, Lopez owns a career .247/.311/.313 slash line over 672 games and could appeal to teams seeking a versatile depth option.

Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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