Red Sox relievers get contracts

BOSTON, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- The Boston Red Sox agreed to one-year contracts with two of its star relievers Tuesday, avoiding arbitration with Jonathan Papelbon and Javier Lopez.

The team, following its own policy, did not release the details of the contracts.

Papelbon, 28, is one of four pitchers in Major League history to record 30 or more saves in his first three seasons. Last year, he had an earned run average of 2.34 with 41 saves and an overall won-lost record of 5-4.

Lopez has a .438 ERA during six seasons with the Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks and Red Sox. Last year, his ERA was 2.43 during 51 innings with a 2-0 won-lost record.

He pitched 12 consecutive innings with no score during the last 15 games of the season.