Cardinals release RHP Motte; hopeful for reunion
In an effort to get Jason Motte from major league camp to Triple-A Memphis, the St. Louis Cardinals released the right-hander on Thursday in the hopes that they could re-sign him as soon as Saturday.
The Cardinals inked Motte to a minor league deal last month. Because of the 35-year-old's major league service time, the Cardinals must allow him the chance to sign with another major league club before sending him to the minors. Motte will be on the market for 48 hours and will need to sign a new minor league deal if he is to return to St. Louis.
Motte, who saved 42 games for the Cardinals in 2012, is looking for a chance to return to the club after three seasons with three different clubs. The right-hander had a 3.54 ERA in 46 games with the Atlanta Braves last year.
Motte spent the first six seasons of his major league career with St. Louis and was a constant presence in the back end of the bullpen. He stepped into the closer role late in 2011, including finishing that year's World Series clincher, and tied for the National League lead in saves with 42 in 2012 but lost the job in 2013 after missing the entire season following Tommy John surgery.
Motte has struggled this spring, posting a 10.13 ERA in six appearances. Manager Mike Matheny said he hopes to have the reliever back in time for a two-day trip to Montreal for two exhibitions against the Toronto Blue Jays starting Monday.
--Field Level Media
