Cards purchase Seth Maness from Memphis (AAA); Lefty Marc Rzepczynski optioned to Triple-A club

The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have purchased the contract of right-handed pitcher Seth Maness (pronounced MAY-niss) from Memphis (AAA) and optioned left-handed pitcher Marc Rzepczynski to the triple-A club.   Maness, 24, was the Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2012 and will be making his Major League debut with his first appearance.

Maness was 2-2 with a 4.32 ERA in four starts at Memphis this season, striking out 18 and walking just three in 25.0 innings pitched. Maness was an 11th round selection for the Cardinals out of East Carolina University in 2011.

The 6-0, 190-pound North Carolina native has displayed impeccable control throughout his pro career, allowing just 18 total walks in 247.2 innings pitched.   Maness worked six or more innings in each of his four starts at Memphis and has done so in 27 of his 38 career minor league starts.

Rzepczynski made nine appearances to begin the 2013 season with St. Louis, allowing seven runs in 8.0 innings of work with no decisions.

Maness will join the Cardinals for tonight's series opener against the Reds and will wear uniform # 61.