Cardinals close to deal with lefty

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals are close to filling one of their most pressing offseason needs, negotiating a deal with left-handed reliever Trever Miller.

The team’s Web site, stlcardinals.com, says Thursday that the 35-year-old Miller needs to pass a physical exam before finalizing a contract. Phone messages left with Cardinals officials were not returned.

Miller was 2-0 with a 4.15 ERA and two saves in 68 games last season for the AL champion Tampa Bay Rays, holding left-handed hitters to a .209 average in 91 at-bats.

The Rays declined a $2 million option earlier this month, electing to pay a $400,000 buyout.

Miller has made at least 60 appearances in each of the past six seasons. He broke in with the Tigers in 1996.