Report: Yankees sign INF Nicky Lopez to minor league deal

The New York Yankees signed veteran infielder Nicky Lopez to a minor league deal, FanSided reported Thursday.

The Yankees had previously designated infielder CJ Alexander for assignment, and the Los Angeles Dodgers claimed him off waivers from New York earlier Thursday.

The Yankees have been struggling defensively in recent weeks, and Lopez, 30, could provide a steady glove. Lopez was an American League Gold Glove Award finalist last year at second base with the Chicago White Sox. He has made 292 starts at second base, 265 at shortstop and 49 at third base in his major league career.

However, Lopez was batting .056 (1-for-18) for the Chicago Cubs over 14 games when they decided to designate him for assignment in May. He started the season with the Los Angeles Angels and played in four games, going 0-for-6 at the plate.

Lopez is a career .245 hitter over 686 MLB games with the Kansas City Royals (2019-23), Atlanta Braves (2023), White Sox, Angels and Cubs. His best season came in 2021, when he batted .300 and recorded 21 doubles and 43 RBIs in 151 games for Kansas City.

Alexander, 28, did not get into a game for the Yankees. He has played 10 major league games, including six for the Athletics earlier this season, and batted .160 (4-for-25).

--Field Level Media