The St. Louis Cardinals have picked up the option of pitcher John Lackey, according to ESPN. The option is for the league minimum, which is $500,000 plus living expenses, which will be determined in November.
The option comes from a clause written into the contract by the Boston Red Sox that allowed for the option if he misssed a season with a specified injury. Lackey missed the 2012 season after reconstructive elbow surgery. Lackey, who turned 36 on October 26th was 14-10 with a 3.83 ERA last year with the Red Sox and Cardinals and was 1-0 in two postseason starts for the Cardinals.
He was acquired at the trade deadline in July in a deal that sent outfielder Allen Craig and pitcher Joe Kelly to Boston. The option was a key to the deal, according to General Manager John Mozeliak.