Well, you can go ahead and count this as a surprise - infielder Felipe Lopez, recently released by the Cardinals, has vetoed a waiver claim by the Padres so he can ride out the remainder of the season with the Red Sox.
Felipe Lopez Signs With Red Sox Over Padres
Lopez wouldn’t have been eligible for postseason play with San Diego, so it’s not like he turned down a shot at the playoffs. Even so, it’s a strange move. For Boston’s part, why did they make this move? Writes Scott Miller:
Why would the Red Sox want him at this point? Among other reasons, one industry source said the Red Sox made the move so that they would receive a compensatory draft pick if someone signs him on the free agent market this winter.
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