ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The St. Louis Cardinals have made their first free-agent signing since the end of the lockout on Thursday.
The team announced Friday morning it reached a two-year deal with pitcher Drew VerHagen.
The 31-year-old right-hander spent the last two seasons in Japan - after spending six in the big leagues with the Detroit Tigers.
“We have been following Drew for the past two seasons in Japan while playing for the Nippon Ham Fighters,” said Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak. “We believe he will compete for a starting job, but could easily transition to the bullpen if needed. We are excited to have Drew join our organization.”
VerHagen, a 6-6, 230-pound righty, posted a 10-10 career mark in parts of six seasons (2014-19) with Detroit, appearing in 127 games (8 starts), including a single-season high of 41 games in 2018. He debuted with the Tigers in July of 2014 at the age of 23.
Friday morning on KMOX, Cards broadcaster Rick Horton spoke with John Hancock and Michael Kelley about the abbreviated Spring Training starting with workouts as soon as Monday, "Probably Thursday or Friday then for (Grapefruit League) games to start. They'll have to start fast, with April 7th now opening day. That'll be such a great day in St. Louis."
Horton went on to talk about how extended labor impasses can cause churn amongst MLB rosters, "Every time we come off somethng like this, there would always be a pleasant surprise and a bust, as far as players that just didn't have time to get ready for the season, and others who made quantum leaps.
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