Wed 12/26/12 2:52 PM

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that Jose Lopez is close to a deal with the Yomiuri Giants of Japan's Central League. It was reported over the weekend that the Astros were close to signing Lopez, but that was incorrect. The 29-year-old infielder batted just .246/.270/.356 in 81 games this past season between the Indians and White Sox and owns a .688 career OPS in the big leagues. He'll hope for better luck overseas.