WATCH: Nicky Lopez collects his first RBI in an Atlanta uniform to extend Atlanta's lead against the Mets
The Atlanta Braves surprised many folks at the trade deadline when they traded for veteran infielder Nicky Lopez from the Kansas City Royals.
Taking the place of fan favorite Charlie Culberson on the active roster, Atlanta got Lopez for his exemplary defense - since 2021, no infielder has produced more dWAR than Lopez, who spent time at 2B, SS, and 3B for Kansas City.
But there were questions about his offense. After batting .300 in 2021, his average cratered all the way down to .213 in 2023, where he became a part-time player for the Royals.
Atlanta obviously saw something they liked about Lopez, because they sent reliever Taylor Hearn over to Kansas City for the infielder. And the time with hitting coach Kevin Seitzer has obviously paid off for Lopez.
In his first at-bat in a Braves uniform, Lopez doubled to left field and drove in Eddie Rosario, who doubled to open the inning and was moved over to 3rd via Sean Murphy fly out to left field.
The addition of Lopez may prove to be huge for Atlanta - he provides fantastic defense all across the diamond and, as we mentioned, is just two years removed from batting .300/.365/.378 as a full-time starter for Kansas City. We may look back at this in a few years the same way we now look at the Orlando Arcia acquisition.
Atlanta's leading New York 2-0 in the top of the 3rd.
How to Watch the Atlanta Braves vs New York Mets on Saturday, August 12th
Today's doubleheader is in a day/night format - game one, scheduled for 1:10 PM ET, is a makeup of a rainout on 4/29, with the broadcast being carried on Bally Sports Southeast. Game two is at its regularly scheduled time, 7:15 PM ET, and will be carried as a national broadcast by Fox.
Check out Braves Today on Socials!
Follow Braves Today on Twitter!
Like Braves Today on Facebook!
Check out the homepage for more Atlanta Braves News!
Subscribe to Braves Today on YouTube!
Get Exclusive Braves Merchandise from FOCO