MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Brewers acquired right-handed reliever Michael Blazek from the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday as the player to be named later in the John Axford trade.
Blazek, 24, was a 35th round pick of the Cardinals in the 2007 first-year player draft and made his major-league debut this season. He will join the Brewers in time for Monday afternoon's series opener with Pittsburgh.
A starting pitcher for the majority of his minor-league career, Blazek transitioned to the bullpen full time during the 2012 season. Splitting time between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis, Blazek has a 1.97 ERA and nine saves in 45 2/3 innings this season.
Blazek was optioned to Memphis on Thursday, but didn't report to the Redbirds, indicating he was likely awaiting waiver clearance to be shipped to Milwaukee.
The hard-throwing Blazek appeared in 11 games for the Cardinals this season with a 6.97 ERA in 10 1/3 innings. With his fastball in the 92-95 mph range, Blazek is a power arm but has struggled with command. He also throws a curveball, change-up and slider.
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