Cardinals sign RHP Neshek to minor league contract

ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals have signed right-handed pitcher Pat Neshek to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league camp for spring training.

Neshek pitched 41 1/3 innings in relief over 45 games with the Oakland Athletics last season.

The 33-year-old has made 226 career appearances, all in relief, compiling a 16-9 record with a 3.07 ERA while averaging over a strikeout per inning fanning 216 batters in 214.1 innings.

He has played in two post-seasons first with the Twins in 2006 and then the Athletics in 2012, making three relief appearances.