TORONTO — The Red Sox have signed catcher David Ross to a minor-league deal, and he is expected to join the Pawtucket Red Sox in Rochester either today or tomorrow.

The 31-year-old Ross recently was released by Cincinnati, where he had been struggling offensively and dealing with an injury.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona recently said the club has been discussing the options for September callups, which will include a catcher.

Dusty Brown and George Kottaras have been solid for the PawSox this season, but the acquisition of Ross gives the Red Sox someone who has major-league experience.

“He’s a legitimate major-league catcher to add to our depth,’ Red Sox GM Theo Epstein said of Ross. “He will come up in September and maybe joined by either Kottaras of Brown after Pawtucket is done.”

Ross has spent the last seven seasons with four different teams in the National League — the Dodgers, Pirates, Padres and Reds. He was the No. 1 catcher for Cincinnati in 2007, but has been bothered by a sore back this season. He’s shown power as a hitter and is good behind the plate.

In 2006, Ross had 21 homers and 52 RBI, and followed that with 17 homers and 39 RBI in 2007. In 52 games for the Reds this season, he hit three homers and drove in 13 runs while battling back problems.

Brown is hitting .286 with 12 homers and 50 RBI in 79 games for Pawtucket while Kottaras has 22 home runs and 65 RBI in 101 games.

Former Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo has worked with Ross in Cincinnati and says like he’ll be a good fit.

“He’s a good defensive catcher and he’ll definitely be able to shut down the running game,” said Arroyo. “He’s probably the best thrower in the National League, or at least close to it. He’s very good with pitchers and he calls a good game. He works with everyone’s style. At the plate he’s going to bring you some power. He’ll definitely hit some homers and Fenway will play into his hands a little bit.”

Rehabbing at home

Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell remains at home in Miami, where he continues to rehab a strained oblique and a right hip flexor. Originally, he was scheduled to rejoin the team this weekend in Toronto, but instead he’ll remain in Florida and join the team in New York. Francona said he has no problem with Lowell being at home because he knows the veteran will do what he needs to do for his rehab. He was placed on the 15-day DL on Aug. 13.

Setback for Lugo

Shortstop Julio Lugo remains with the club after suffering a setback with his rehab on Wednesday in Baltimore. He was running sprints when he pulled his quadriceps, which he tore on July 12 at Fenway Park. He was progressing well with his rehab until the setback, and Francona said he’ll have another update today.

jmcdonal@projo.com