Diamondbacks, Lopez agree on minor league deal

Chip-Hale,-Arizona

The Arizona Diamondbacks have exercised the 2017 option of manager Chip Hale. (Ross D. Franklin/AP)

PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks have announced an agreement with 21-year-old Cuban pitching prospect Yoan Lopez.

The team said Saturday that Lopez had a deal for a minor league contract.

The 6-foot-4 right-hander played three seasons in Cuba’s top league, going 15-13 with a 3.76 ERA.

Lopez got an $8.27 million signing bonus, two people with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press earlier in the week.

Last month, Arizona agreed to terms with Cuban third baseman-outfielder Yasmany Tomas on a six-year contract worth $68.5 million.

Diamondbacks senior vice-president of baseball operations De Jon Watson says Lopez is a "good-looking young starter with good upside potential."

Watson says Lopez features an outstanding fastball and slider.

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