Cardinals claim LHP John Gaub from Texas

The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that the club has acquired left-handed pitcher John Gaub on a waiver claim from the Texas Rangers.  Gaub goes on the team’s 40-man roster and has been optioned to Memphis (AAA). 

Gaub, 27, was designated for assignment by Texas on Thursday, June 7.  He was acquired by the Rangers on a waiver claim from Tampa Bay on May 24.  The Rays had acquired him on an April 5 waiver claim from the Chicago Cubs. 

Gaub appeared in five games for the Rangers’ Triple-A Round Rock affiliate, allowing no runs in 4.1 innings pitched, striking out four.  He was 0-1 with one save and a 4.32 ERA (8 ER/16.2 IP) over 16 relief appearances for the Ray’s Triple-A Durham Bulls prior to his claim by Texas. 

Originally a 21st round pick (641st overall) by the Cleveland Indians in the 2006 June draft, Gaub was acquired by the Cubs, along with right-handed pitchers Chris Archer and Jeff Stevens, in exchange for infielder Mark DeRosa on Dec. 31, 2008.  He made his major league debut with the Cubs on Sept. 12 last season and went 0-0 with a 6.75 ERA (2 ER/2.2 IP) over 4 relief appearances in his only big league action to date.  The 6-2, 210-pound St. Paul, Minn. native owns a career 12-13 record and 3.58 ERA (93 ER/233.2 IP) in 192 games (one start) in the minor leagues.