Cardinals RHP McClellan released, C Rob Johnson signed

The Cardinals announced today the release of versatile pitcher Kyle McClellan. He played a large part in the success of the Cardinals pitching staff on the way to their World Series championship run in 2011.  His season came to an end in mid-May when we underwent shoulder surgery.

"“Any time you come off an injury, you know it’s never a good situation and especially when you’re at the point where I am with being arbitration eligible,” said McClellan, who had braced for this possibility. “You understand that. And then you also look at the young arms they have coming up and the exciting potential they have, and you see there might not be a place for you.”-Kyle McClellan (via Cardinals.com press release)"

Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

McClellan would have been eligible for salary arbitration again this winter. He reached a one-year deal last year to avoid arbitration following a 2011 season where he also faced injuries which led to him only have 1/3 IP in the 2011 postseason.

McClellan went on to say that it does not appear the Cards will bring him back at a lower salary for 2013.

The Cardinals also announced the signing of veteran catcher Rob Johnson to a minor league contract.

Johnson was originally drafted by the Seattle Mariners organization in the fourth round of the 2004 draft. He was once well regarded by the Mariners organization, but never became a regular with them. He spent 2011 with the San Diego Padres and 2012 with the New York Mets.

Johnson could serve as an emergency option behind Yadier Molina and Tony Cruz.