NASHVILLE -- A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that left-handed reliever Randy Choate and the St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a $7.5 million, three-year contract.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the agreement is subject to a physical before the deal can be finalized.
Choate had a 3.03 ERA and no record in 80 games this year, tying for the major league lead in pitching appearances. He held left-handed batters to a .158 average (16 for 101) and righties hit .325 against him (13 for 40).
Choate was acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers from the Miami Marlins in July along with shortstop Hanley Ramirez and the Marlins started to get rid of payroll.
