ST. LOUIS (AP) - Infielder Felipe Lopez, released by the Washington Nationals last week, signed a contract with the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night.
Lopez, a 28-year-old switch hitter, hit .234 with two home runs, 20 doubles and 25 RBIs for the Nationals. He started 69 games at second base, seven at shortstop and six at left field before being cut loose on Friday.Infielder Brendan Ryan, batting .242 in 68 games with nine RBIs, was optioned to Triple-A Memphis. The 26-year-old Ryan had seen decreased playing time recently, with five at-bats in the last six games.
The moves were announced after the Cardinals' 6-4, 11-inning victory over the Dodgers.
"Brendan is a young guy with a lot of future," manager Tony La Russa said. "When he was playing enough it was kind of acceptable. Now he's not playing enough.
"Felipe is a better fit and we'll see (Ryan) in September."
Lopez was a National League All-Star in 2005 with the Reds and also has played for the Blue Jays in a six-year career.
