Javy Lopez retires after being cut by Braves

After the Atlanta Braves optioned veteran catcher Javy Lopez to Minor League camp, he decided to call it a career.

Lopez hit .188 in his bid to be the backup catcher to Brian McCann. Lopez made his decision after he had a meeting with manager Bobby Cox on Saturday.

Javy Lopez, "It didn't happen in spring training. This is the only chance I get. They give me the opportunity to come back and prove to myself that I can still play. I had the chance and didn't do what I'm supposed to do, or at least not good enough."

Javy Lopez back in Atlanta

Javy Lopez, a fan favorite from his earlier years, has come back to Atlanta. The Braves signed the 37-year-old catcher to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training.

If Lopez makes the team out of Spring Training, he will backup current starter Brian McCann.