Cubs Add Lopez, Velasquez; Kingery DFA'd

0:00It's April 25th. I'm Cory with the story. This is MLB News Today, driven by AI and built for baseball fans. Chicago Cubs shaking up their roster ahead of the Dodgers game. They added infielder Nikki Lopez from the Rockies and right-hander Vince Velasquez from the Miners. Caleb Thielbar heads to the 15-day injured list with a left-hamstring strain. Scott Kingery got designated for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot after first getting option to triple a Iowa. Porter Hodge moved to the 60-day injured list following elbow surgery. Lopez brings versatility across the infield, mostly at second base in shortstop, with solid defense at second and third since last year. He's a light-hitting utility guy with good played discipline, but not much power or speed anymore. This gives manager Craig Council flexibility to rest starters or add a lefty bat off the bench. Kingery's profile is similar at the plate, but his glove work lacks the same upside. With over three-year service time, he might elect free agency if unclamed,

1:03though his $1.25 million salary makes that unlikely. Most figure he'll stick around at triple a, waiting for another shot. Velasquez returns to the majors after a roughston in career last year, where he posted an 8.23 ERA. Cubs sign him to a minor league deal in spring, eyeing him as a longer lever to eat innings. Dealbar's injury hits the bullpen hard. He had a strong 2.64 ERA last season, but guys like Ben Brown and Hobie Milner can step up in. High-leveraged spots. Hodge's move is just paperwork since he's out for the year. These tweaks keep the Cubs pitching staff fresh and infield options deep as they push through the schedule.