Cardinals pick up Wainwright’s option

— The St. Louis Cardinals have picked up a two-year, $21 million contract option on injured pitcher Adam Wainwright, helping set their rotation for next year.

Wainwright, a 20-game winner in 2010, is rehabbing from elbow surgery in February that sidelined him for the entire season. He threw his final bullpen session before St. Louis played Texas in Game 6 of the World Series on Thursday.

The Cardinals previously picked up the option on Chris Carpenter’s contract. Jaime Garcia, Kyle Lohse and Jake Westbrook are signed for 2012.

General Manager John Mozeliak said the move has been a formality for months. The Cardinals expect Wainwright will be ready for spring training with no restrictions.

Sports, Pages 21 on 10/28/2011

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