ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers signed infielder Nicky Lopez to a one-year major league contract and designated outfielder/DH Andrew McCutchen for assignment on May 27, 2026. The move addresses ongoing injuries on the left side of the infield, with Lopez starting at second base and batting ninth in that night’s game against Houston.

Lopez joins Texas after being designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs on May 23 and released the following day. He appeared in four games for the Cubs with five plate appearances before his release. Earlier in 2026, Lopez played for the Colorado Rockies’ Triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque, where he batted .333 with a .387 on-base percentage and a .519 slugging percentage. Lopez has played in 693 major league games across eight seasons with five teams.

Chris Young, the Rangers’ president of baseball operations, said the team needed infield depth due to injuries to Corey Seager and Josh Smith. Seager has been eligible to return from the 10-day injured list since May 25 but remains sidelined with lower back inflammation. Smith, initially placed on the injured list on May 5 with a right glute strain, was later hospitalized with viral meningitis. He could rejoin the team on May 28 and is healthy but requires evaluation for strength and physical readiness.

“Certainly respect to Andrew, what he’s accomplished, not only in this game, but more importantly, who he is as a person. It’s been wonderful having him around, but we’re at a point where given the injuries on the left side of the infield, middle infield specifically, that we’re thin and so Nicky gives us another option and provides some versatility,” Young said.

McCutchen, 39, joined the Rangers on a minor league contract midway through spring training and made the opening day roster for his 18th MLB season. He batted .192 with two doubles, one home run, and five RBIs in 37 games. He started 16 games—nine as designated hitter and six in the outfield—and led MLB with 21 pinch-hit plate appearances in 2026. The Rangers have seven days to trade, release, or outright him to the minors.

Rangers manager Skip Schumaker praised McCutchen’s professionalism. “I played against him during his MVP season. I know who this guy is and I got to know him even better this year. Those are not easy, but part of the game. He was a pro and understood,” he said.