BOSTON — Some seven weeks after first reaching a tentative agreement with free agent outfielder J.D. Drew, the Red Sox will today make his signing official, confirming a five-year agreement for $70 million that now includes some language protection for the Sox should the oft-injured Drew miss significant playing time.

In reviewing Drew’s medical records last month, the Red Sox medical team was concerned about the potential lingering effects of a right shoulder injury Drew suffered in the second half of the 2005 season.

Following some haggling with agent Scott Boras, the two sides restructured the deal somewhat to guard against a recurrence of shoulder problems.

Should Drew miss a certain number of days on the disabled list because of shoulder trouble in the third year of the contract – 2009 – the Red Sox can now void the fourth and fifth years of the deal. Additionally, if Drew were to spend extended time on the DL in 2010 because of the shoulder, the Sox could get out of the fifth and final year of the contract.

The clause applies only to a shoulder injury. If Drew misses extended playing time because of a knee, ankle or back injury, the clause doesn’t apply.

The language is not unlike deals Boras previously negotiated for clients Ivan Rodriguez and Magglio Ordonez with the Detroit Tigers.

Drew, 31, will replace Trot Nixon this season as the Red Sox’ regular right fielder, joining his fourth organization in the last five years following stints with the Cardinals, Braves and Dodgers.

Last fall, with three years and $33 million remaining on a five-year deal with the Dodgers, Drew took advantage of a clause in the contract and opted out of the remainder of the agreement to re-enter the free agent market. Weeks later, he had reached agreement with the Sox.

Drew owns a .392 lifetime on-base percentage, but has had difficulty remaining healthy. In eight full major league seasons, only twice has Drew played in more than 140 games.

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smcadam@projo.com