Cardinals & LHP Marc Rzepczynski agree to terms

The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have agreed to terms with left-handed pitcher Marc Rzepczynski on a one-year contract for the upcoming 2013 season, thus avoiding salary arbitration.

Rzepczynski, 27, appeared in 70 games for the Cardinals last season, second-most on the team and ended the season with eight consecutive scoreless appearances. "Zep" had 19 Holds for the club and allowed runs in only 3 of his 33 appearances after July 1. His 1.83 ERA from July 1 to the end of the season was the 10th lowest among National League pitchers, allowing just a .186 opponent batting average during that time frame.

The lefty joined the Cardinals in a trade from Toronto at the July trade deadline in 2011.

Third baseman David Freese is the lone arbitration eligible player the Cardinals have left unsigned.