ST. LOUIS — John Smoltz agreed to a deal with the Cardinals on Wednesday, giving the 42-year-old right-hander a chance to rejuvenate his career.
Smoltz joined the NL Central leaders shortly after he cleared waivers, following his release by Boston. He was 2-5 with an 8.33 ERA in eight starts for the Red Sox.
General manager John Mozeliak said Smoltz would likely start Sunday at San Diego, and would probably get at least a few turns in the rotation. The risk for the Cardinals is small — Boston is responsible for the bulk of the contract. St. Louis is on the hook only for a prorated share of the major-league minimum, about $100,000 through the rest of the season.
Dodgers sign Padilla
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers signed Vicente Padilla two days after the right-hander was released by Texas.
Manager Joe Torre said Padilla will pitch Saturday at Triple-A Albuquerque before making his first scheduled start for his new team Aug. 27 at Colorado.
Padilla, who was 8-6 with a 4.92 ERA in 18 starts, will help fill a void created by the absence of right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, who was placed on the DL as he recovers from post-concussion symptoms.
Footnotes.
The Brewers traded third baseman Bill Hall to the Mariners in exchange for minor-league pitcher Ruben Flores.
• Astros left-hander Mike Hampton has a partially torn rotator cuff and hopes to pitch again this season.
