‘You’re never going to leave this hospital’: How a Cleveland Guardians prospect beat the odds after a freak injury
Lopez had a serious accident at the age of 18. He was in the United States for the first time and was unable to eat, sleep or move without excruciating pain. The first day he wore a neck brace, he passed out. In May, 11 weeks after the accident, Lopez had an open reduction internal fixation of his first vertebra performed at Cleveland Clinic. Lopez was bedridden for two weeks following the operations. Nilda Taffanelli, an administrative assistant in player development, checked in on Lopez every day. She brought him yellow roses. On June 12, the player was discharged and flew to Arizona to continue his rehab.
