Person with knowledge of deal: Red Sox send RHP Lackey to Cards for RHP Kelly, OF Craig

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey delivers to the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 26, 2014, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (The Associated Press)

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Joe Kelly works against the San Diego Padres in the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 30, 2014, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi) (The Associated Press)

The Boston Red Sox have traded right-hander John Lackey to the St. Louis Cardinals for right-hander Joe Kelly and outfielder Allen Craig before Thursday's deadline, a person with knowledge of the deal said.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither club announced the trade.

Earlier, the Red Sox sent their top starter, left-hander Jon Lester, to the Oakland Athletics with outfielder Jonny Gomes and cash for slugging outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and a 2015 draft pick.

Lackey was 11-7 with a 3.60 ERA as the No. 2 starter in Boston's rotation.

Kelly is 2-2 with a 4.37 ERA in seven starts. He has made four starts since being activated from the disabled list on July 11. Craig is batting .237 with seven homers and 44 RBIs.