Cardinals close to signing infielder Lopez

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By Jon Heyman, SI.com

Infielder Felipe Lopez, who has struggled to find a starting job this offseason, is in serious talks with the Cardinals.

The sides are close to reaching one-year, $1.75 million deal, plus performance bonuses.

Lopez is likely to be a backup with St. Louis but has a chance for playing time since the main third base hope is David Freese, an unproven youngster. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch first reported to day a deal was getting closer.

Lopez, 29, hit .310 last season with nine home runs and 57 RBIs in 151 games split between the Diamondbacks and Brewers.