ST. LOUIS -- Five years after taking over as the club's closer and earning an All-Star invitation for his success in that role, Edward Mujica is returning to the Cardinals.
The two parties reached an agreement Wednesday on a Minor League deal that will give Mujica, 33, an opportunity to try and work his back to the big leagues. The deal does not include a spot in Major League camp.
The best stretch of Mujica's 11-year career came with the Cardinals, who acquired him in a 2012 Trade Deadline deal with the Marlins. Mujica wrapped up that season by posting a 1.03 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP over 29 appearances. He then took over as closer the following April after Mitchell Boggs struggled to fill that spot.
Mujica went on to convert his first 21 save opportunities and finished the year with 37 saves, still a career high. He left that offseason after signing a two-year, $9.5 million contract with the Red Sox, but the right-hander hasn't attained the same level of success since.
From Boston, Mujica jumped to the A's, Phillies, Royals, Twins and Tigers within a three-year span. Two of those clubs released him midseason, and Mujica's Major League exposure has been limited to five appearances since 2015.
In 56 innings with Detroit's Triple-A affiliate last year, Mujica struck out 46, walked nine and finished with a 2.57 ERA. He allowed seven runs during his brief stint with the big league club.