BOSTON — Boston’s Adrian Gonzalez and the Dodgers’ James Loney were scratched from their teams’ starting lineups Friday night as the clubs tried to finalize a major trade involving the first basemen.

The Red Sox also were discussing sending pitcher Josh Beckett, left fielder Carl Crawford and infielder Nick Punto to Los Angeles, a baseball official informed of the discussions said, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcements were made.

Red Sox officials are trying to reduce payroll during a disappointing season.

“I think they’re looking to put the ballclub in a better situation next year,” David Ortiz said. “I’m not saying that we’re going to be in a better situation without those players. We are about to find out.”

Gonzalez was removed from the Red Sox lineup minutes before Boston’s 4-3 win over the Kansas City Royals, and Loney was pulled from the Dodgers lineup against the Miami Marlins. The Dodgers ended the day in second place in the NL West, three games behind the San Francisco Giants.

The Red Sox are six games under .500, with little or no postseason hopes. If the trade is completed, the Red Sox would be relieved of a huge salary burden, assuming the Dodgers pick up most of what is owed. Gonzalez, Crawford and Beckett are due $261 million from 2013-18.

— The Associated Press