Report: Red Sox to Sign Felipe Lopez

By KC Downey in News, Red Sox ⋅ September 25, 2010 at 12:51pm ⋅ Post a comment

In a seemingly random move, the Red Sox could announce the signing of infielder Felipe Lopez on Saturday, sources told WEEI’s Alex Speier. Lopez could join the team against the Yankees in New York.

The Cardinals placed Lopez on release waivers earlier in the week after he arrived at the ballpark late for a game that day. According to Cards manager Tony LaRussa, Lopez had been late on multiple occasions in the past.

The Padres claimed the 30-year-old infielder to help give them depth as they push for the playoffs. The Pads lost Jerry Hairston, Jr. for the season, and needed a veteran infielder to help plug gaps. Should they have made the playoffs, Lopez would not be eligible because he joined the team so late in the season. As a result, he rejected the waiver claim and opted to sign with the Red Sox.

According to Speier, Lopez projects as a Type B free agent, meaning if the Red Sox offer him arbitration this offseason and he rejects it, then the Sox are eligible to receive a compensatory pick.

Lopez, who will reportedly wear No. 32 with the Red Sox, hit .231 with 7 HRs and 36 RBI in 109 games with St. Louis.