Chris Sale

It seems like an odd way to put it. Lopez, who missed almost all of 2025 following shoulder surgery, has a 2.11 ERA in 26 starts and one relief appearance for the Braves, so if the team thinks he can stay healthy in the rotation, he obviously deserves to be there. But it's quite possible the Braves believe they'd get more out of him as a reliever and are trying to soften the blow. For the moment, the Braves have Chris Sale, Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach guaranteed rotation spots if healthy. That would leave two openings for Lopez, Grant Holmes, Hurston Waldrep, Bryce Elder, Osvaldo Bido, Joey Wentz and Jose Suarez. Of that group, only Waldrep has options remaining.

The Red Sox thought Grissom could be their long-term second baseman when they acquired him for the Braves from Chris Sale, but he was often hurt and hit just .190 in 31 major league games during his two-year stint with the club. He'll get a fresh start with the Angels, who have openings at second base and third base at the moment. If he makes the team, it could be at second, with Christian Moore moving to third or heading to Triple-A. If not, he'll likely go on waivers, since he's out of options.