In a somewhat surprising development, RP Scott Linebrink has worked his way from a minor-league deal to a likely Opening Day roster spot with the St. Louis Cardinals.
The 35-year-old Linebrink spent the 2011 season with the Atlanta Braves, pitching 54.1 innings with a 3.64 ERA and 4.30 FIP. After signing a minor league deal with the Cardinals, Linebrink then went on to pitch 9.2 innings in Spring Training with a 0.93 ERA, 2 strikeouts and 1 walk.
Linebrink, a 12-year veteran, has accrued 656.2 IP and a 3.51 ERA in his career. He earned $5.5 million in 2011 with the Atlanta Braves as a part of the final year of his 2008 contract with the Chicago White Sox.
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