The Astros claimed 25-year old righthander Wilton Lopez off waivers from the Padres today.
Lopez pitched in 30 games with A+ Lake Elsinore in relief, posting a 2.64 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. What I really like are the 26 Ks (in 30.2 IP) to the 4 walks. Predictably, Lopez was promoted to San Antonio where, over 24 games (38.2IP), Lopez held a 4.93 ERA compared to a 1.30 WHIP with 24K/9BB.
He was originally drafted by the Yankees and spent 2004 pitching at varying levels with an equal amount of success, and was placed on the voluntarily retired list to pitch in his native Nicaragua. After being voluntarily brought out of voluntary retirement, Lopez signed with the Padres in 2007 and pitched for the Padres...until today.
Lopez will head to Corpus Christi. Welcome to Astros County, Wilton!
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
