Cards add Vizcaino; Perez sent to minors

NEW YORK -- The St. Louis Cardinals signed free agent Jose Vizcaino for infield help on Wednesday while their regular shortstop David Eckstein is expected to be out for several weeks.

Eckstein was put on the disabled list Wednesday.

The Cardinals' regular leadoff hitter, Eckstein strained a muscle in his side Friday in Chicago when he slid into catcher Michael Barrett.

"He's going to get whatever time he needs to get," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said. "He's going to be a couple, three weeks."

Vizcaino played shortstop and batted in the leadoff spot against the Mets. He hit a home run for only the second time this season.

The 38-year-old was placed on release waivers by the San Francisco Giants on Friday.

He played for the New York Mets in the mid-1990s, and warmly greeted Mets officials before the game.

"He has the ability to play different spots and switch hit," La Russa said. "We're lucky he was available."

Vizcaino has been to the postseason six times, including the past two seasons with the Houston Astros. He has . 270 career average and entered with a .210 average in 64 games this season.

Left-hander Mark Mulder was activated from the 15-day DL and started against the Mets. He had been sidelined since June 21

To clear a roster spot, the Cardinals designated outfielder Timo Perez for assignment.