Red Sox Are Working on Lopez Deal

The Baltimore Orioles agreed to send catcher Javy Lopez and cash considerations to the Boston Red Sox for a player to be named.

Because the trade involves cash considerations of more than $1 million, the deal is pending commissioner’s approval, but it should be completed no later than today, Orioles sources told the Baltimore Sun.

The Orioles will probably get a mid-level prospect in return for Lopez, 35, who is hitting .265 with eight home runs and 31 runs batted in. They will also send about $1.2 million to the Red Sox to help offset Lopez’s remaining salary, the sources said. Lopez, who cleared waivers Thursday, still has $2.74 million left on the three-year, $22.5-million contract he signed with the Orioles before the 2004 season.

Chuck Berry, Lopez’s agent, said Thursday night that the three-time All-Star was preparing to fly to Florida, where he was expected to be in uniform tonight for the start of Boston’s series against Tampa Bay.

With starting catcher Jason Varitek out a month after knee surgery Thursday, Lopez is expected be the Red Sox’s regular catcher.

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