Veteran pitcher Smoltz signs with Cardinals

John Smoltz, a 42-year-old right-handed pitcher who ranks among the top hurlers of his era, agreed to a Major League Baseball contract with the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday.

Two days after being released by the Boston Red Sox after struggling as a starter, former Atlanta Braves ace Smoltz joined the National League Central division leaders to become a fifth starter or key bullpen reliever.

Smoltz, expected to join the Cardinals on Thursday in San Diego, was 2-5 with an 8.33 earned-run average in eight starts for the Red Sox.

"This is an opportunity to strengthen our pitching staff," Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said.

"When you have an opportunity to bring the expertise and experience of a future Hall of Famer to your club, it's easy to see why we are excited about the prospects of what John Smoltz can do to improve our team's chances."

With six weeks remaining in the regular season, the Cardinals are well ahead of the Chicago Cubs for the division crown and fighting the Los Angeles Dodgers and reigning World Series champion Philadelphia for the top record in the National League and a home-field edge throughout the playoffs.

Smoltz has a career record of 212-152 with a 3.32 earned-run average and 154 saves in 21 seasons. He is the only pitcher in major league history with 200 victories and 150 saves.