LAS VEGAS -- Free-agent infielder Felipe Lopez and the Arizona Diamondbacks reached a preliminary agreement on a $3.5 million, one-year contract.
The deal was pending a physical, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told the Associated Press on Thursday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been finalized.
By signing Lopez, the Diamondbacks could fill a hole left by three-time Gold Glove second baseman Orlando Hudson when he became a free agent. Hudson missed time late last season with a wrist injury that required surgery.
The 28-year-old Lopez, who has spent eight seasons in the majors, split this year between Washington and St. Louis. He batted .283 with six homers and 46 RBI in 143 games.
The Cardinals acquired Lopez after the Nationals released him in late July along with catchers Paul Lo Duca and Johnny Estrada.
A switch-hitter, Lopez was an All-Star shortstop in 2005 with Cincinnati. He broke into the big leagues with Toronto in 2001.
Lopez has spent most of his career at shortstop, but he played 101 games at second base last season.
The Diamondbacks agreed Wednesday with Augie Ojeda on a $712,500, one-year contract to keep the utility infielder around for a third season.
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