The St. Louis Cardinals announced prior to tonight’s game that they have purchased right-handed pitcher Miguel Socolovich from Memphis (AAA) and optioned left-handed pitcher Tim Cooney to the Triple-A club. The Cardinals also announced that outfielder Tommy Pham (left quadriceps) has been transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list to make room on the team’s 40-man roster for Socolovich’s addition.
Socolovich, 28, was unscored upon in seven games (12.2 IP) at Memphis, allowing just five hits, while fanning nine. He worked 2.0 or more innings in five of his seven relief appearances, including a season-high 2.2 scoreless innings on Monday (April 27) vs. Round Rock.
A veteran of 10 professional seasons, Socolovich was signed by the Cardinals last November 11th as a minor league free-agent. His career has included stints with the Red Sox, White Sox, Orioles, Cubs, Mets and Cardinals organizations.
Socolovich appeared in 12 games at the Major League level in 2012, appearing in six games with Baltimore (10.1 IP) and six games with the Chicago Cubs (6.0 IP). His career mark is 0-0 with a 6.06 ERA in those 12 relief appearances, striking out 12 in 16.1 IP. The Caracas, Venezuela native was 2-2 with a 3.64 ERA and Pacific Coast League-leading 16 Holds for Las Vegas (AAA – NY Mets) last season.
Socolovich has been assigned uniform no. 63.
