Originally Posted by
MLB.com
VIERA, Fla. -- Javy Lopez's dream to return to the Majors with the Braves ended early Saturday morning when he learned he wouldn't be part of their Opening Day roster.
Given the chance that he could potentially remain in the organization as a Minor League player, Lopez instead opted to retire. His desire was to have one more opportunity to play with the Braves, who had employed him throughout the prime of his career.
"I just want to thank the Braves for giving me this opportunity," said Lopez as he was driving back to Atlanta early Saturday evening. "Not every team would have even given me a chance. I knew I had to produce numbers offensively and defensively, and I didn't do it."