JUPITER, Fla. • In order to get Jason Motte from their major-league camp to Class AAA Memphis' bullpen, the Cardinals had to perform a transaction tango, and that process began Thursday morning.
The Cardinals granted Motte his unconditional release Thursday, but the hope is that the veteran righthander and the club will be reunited as soon as Saturday. Motte has 48 hours to explore other opportunities and find out if there is a major-league job for him with another team. If he clears that period without an offer, he can elect to return to the Cardinals on his existing minor-league deal.