Rangers acquire Sam Freeman from Cardinals for PTBNL and cash

The Rangers have acquired left-hander Sam Freeman from the Cardinals for a player to be named later or cash, according to a team announcement. Freeman will join the team's 40-man roster, filling the hole left by the release of Joe Beimel earlier in the week.

Freeman, 27, was also linked to the Mets this spring as they look for left-handed help in the wake of Josh Edgin's season-ending surgery. He posted a 2-0 record and 2.61 ERA in 44 appearances in the big leagues last season, and has a lifetime 3.33 ERA in 81 major-league appearances over three seasons with St. Louis.

Freeman will join Alex Claudio in a Rangers' bullpen that lost Neal Cotts to free agency this winter, though Texas may still be on the lookout for left-handed help on the trade market before Opening Day. The Rangers have been linked to Marlins' left-handers Andrew McKirahan and Brad Hand over the last few days, with Michael Dunn's name also being mentioned as a trade candidate.