Raffy Lopez Called up to Majors
August 29, 2016 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Bridgeport Bluefish News Release
Raffy Lopez, a member of the 2016 Bridgeport Bluefish, was called up to the Major Leagues on Saturday by the Cincinnati Reds. Lopez is making his second appearance in the big leagues, having played seven games with the Chicago Cubs in 2014.
"It's great to see Raffy receive this opportunity," said Bluefish Manager Luis Rodriguez. "He was a great player for us at the beginning of the season and we wish him the best of luck in the Major Leagues."
Lopez was hitting .213 with one home run and 17 RBI in 47 games for Triple-A Louisville at the time of his call-up. The catcher played in seven games with Bridgeport this season, recording a .250 batting average with two RBI and two runs scored before he had his contract purchased midseason by the Cincinnati Reds organization.
The 28-year-old began his professional career in 2011 after being selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 16th round of the MLB draft, making his debut with the Rookie-level AZL Cubs. Raffy spent five seasons in the Cubs organization before making his Major League debut in 2014. He spent his entire career in the Cubs organization before his contract was purchased by the Los Angeles Angels during the 2015 season, where he played in 21 games for Triple-A Salt Lake. In 449 career minor league games, Raffy has collected a .271 batting average with 23 home runs, 204 RBI and 192 runs scored.
Raffy is the tenth former 'Fish to make it back to the Big Leagues. Brady Raggio was the first to make it back to The Show, pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2003 after starting the season in Bridgeport. Infielder Jose Offerman followed by appearing with the Minnesota Twins, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets after spending 2003 in the Park City. Jason Simontacchi was next after he spent time pitching with the Washington Nationals in 2007 following a 2006 season with the Bluefish. Wily Mo Pena was the fourth when he joined the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners in 2011, following a stint with the 'Fish in 2010. Outfielder Adam Greenberg, who was a member of the Bluefish from 2008-2011, appeared with the Miami Marlins in 2012 before returning to Bridgeport the following season. In 2013, three former 'Fish made it back to the big leagues; slugger Brock Peterson made his Major League debut with the St. Louis Cardinals, hurler Logan Kensing returned to The Show with the Colorado Rockies, and pitcher Daniel Stange was the eighth to make a comeback, joining the Los Angeles Angels. Kensing again made an appearance in the big league in 2015 with the Mariners. Pitcher Julio DePaula was the ninth Bluefish to make it back to the MLB, when he was called up by the Baltimore Orioles in 2014.
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