Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
It has been reported that the St. Louis Cardinals have signed right-handed relief pitcher David Aardsma to a minor league contract. Aardsma has been in the big leagues for 8 seasons and has split that time between seven clubs. He spent this spring training with the Cleveland Indians before being released this past Friday. Aardsma has a career ERA of 4.23. He was used primarily as a closer during his time with the Seattle Mariners where he racked up 69 saves. He owns a 1.8 strikeout to walk ratio. Aardsma began his career with the San Francisco Giants where Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny was his catcher.
This may be a similar situation as with Pat Neshek, where the Cardinals have added a non-roster reliever to the active roster. However, since the Cardinals have not been able to see much from Aardsma this spring, I highly doubt he breaks camp with the major league club. He will likely spend some time in AAA Memphis as the Cardinals evaluate him. Personally I was hoping the Cardinals would sign a long reliever. Aardsma does not fit that bill as he has only pitched 306.1 innings in 298 appearances. This signing does provide some proven depth if any injuries do occur.