Javy Lopez is trying a comeback with his former team, agreeing Monday to a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves. The catcher was out of the majors this year after he was cut by Colorado in spring training. He played for the Braves from 1992-2003 and was selected to three All-Star teams.
Atlanta invited Lopez to spring training, where he will compete for a backup job behind starting catcher Brian McCann.
The 37-year-old Lopez is a career .287 hitter with 260 home runs and 864 RBIs. He was an All-Star with the Braves in 1997, 1998 and 2003, when he hit .328 with 43 homers and 109 RBIs — all career bests for a full season.
Lopez signed with Baltimore in 2004. He spent part of the 2006 season with Boston.
The Braves also brought back pitcher Tom Glavine this offseason. The left-hander, who pitched for Atlanta from 1987-2002, agreed to an $8 million, one-year deal on Nov. 19. He will turn 42 before the 2008 season.
The Braves also invited five minor league free agents to spring training: catchers Corky Miller and J.C. Boscan, outfielder Joe Borchard, right-hander Jorge Campillo and infielder Javier Guzman.
Braves pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Feb. 14, followed by the rest of the players on Feb. 19.