Cubs Add Lopez, Velasquez, DFA Kingery

0:00On April 25th, Chicago Cubs just dropped some key roster tweaks before facing the Dodgers. They added infielder Nikki Lopez from the Rockies and Right-Hander Vince Velasquez to the 40-man roster. To make room, they placed reliever Caleb Theobar on the 15-day injure list with a left-hamstring strain transferred Porter Hodge to the 60-day list after elbow surgery and designated Scott Kingery for assignment. Lopez brings that infiel versatility, mainly a second-base and shortstop, plus some third-base chops. He's a light-hitting utility guy with solid-play discipline, low strikeouts, and enough speed to spell the starters or pinch-hit lefty. Cubs liked him enough last season to bring him back quick after grabbing him yesterday. Kingery's out the door after getting option to triple A Iowa earlier, now DFA'd. Both guys hit below average, but Lopez edges him on defense. Kingery might hit free agency if unclaimed, though his 1.25 million salary makes that tricky.

1:02Velasquez returns to the majors after a refston in Korea, signing on a minor league deal with the Cubs, expect him as a long reliever to eat innings and blowouts. Theobar's injury hits the bullpen hard. He was lights out last year with a 2.64 ERA, but they've got Ben Brown crushing it in relief, and... Shelby Milner to bridge lay innings. These move short-up depth without major drama, keeping Council flexible amid early bullpen success. Cubs roll on, eyes on the playoffs. That's your update from MLB News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story.