Cards acquire Feliz from Astros to stabilize third-base situation

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals got some help at third base Thursday, acquiring Pedro Feliz from the Houston Astros for minor league pitcher David Carpenter.

The Cardinals also placed catcher Jason LaRue on the 60-day disabled list. LaRue sustained a concussion in a fracas with the Reds earlier this month.

"We really felt it was in his best interest to not have to feel like there's pressure to come back," general manager John Mozeliak said. "He recognizes why we had to make this decision, but he also told me he would do whatever is best for the organization."

Felipe Lopez has been starting at third base since David Freese was sidelined by injuries in June. He's slumped at the plate and in the field lately, committing two errors on Wednesday, prompting the Cardinals to go after the 35-year-old Feliz.

He started for the Phillies' 2008 World Series team, and has played 97 games for the Astros while batting .221 with four homers and 31 RBIs. Feliz also has the second-best fielding percentage among third baseman since 2007 at .967, and Mozeliak said that was the biggest selling point.

"He ranks up there with almost any third baseman in the game today," Mozeliak said. "I understand this is not the biggest deal in the world, but I do think it addresses a very big need."

He's made 60 starts at third base and 10 at first base for Houston.

"It's been a tough year for him, and with the changes that we've made, his playing time would continue to be limited," Astros general manager Ed Wade said. "This deal puts him back into a pennant race and his veteran presence should help the Cardinals."

Carpenter was 5-3 with a 2.36 ERA and 20 saves at Class-A Palm Beach.

"We've acquired a power arm for our system and we'll give him every chance to develop into a major leaguer," Wade said.

The Astros also reinstated infielder Tommy Manzella from the disabled list. Manzella hit .366 (15 for 41) in 11 games during a rehab stint from a fractured left index finger. He was batting .212 in 59 games with Houston, with one homer and 16 RBIs.