ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals have purchased the contract of left-handed reliever Raul Valdes from Triple-A Memphis.
Valdes was 5-2 with a 5.05 ERA in 21 appearances with Memphis. He started seven games before moving into a relief role where he compiled a 3-0 record with an 0.55 ERA in 14 games.
The 33-year-old Valdes was signed in November. He went 3-3 with a 4.91 ERA in 38 games with the New York Mets last season.
Manager Tony La Russa said Valdes gives him another lefty option out of the bullpen.
To clear room for Valdes, St. Louis optioned right-hander Maikel Cleto to Memphis. Cleto was 0-0 with a 16.20 ERA in two appearances with the Cardinals.
