Cardinals Release 2-12 Fernando

Fernando Valenzuela was placed on unconditional release waivers by the St. Louis Cardinals, forcing the pitcher to look for another team if he hopes to prolong his career.

Valenzuela, who claims to be 36, leads the major leagues in losses with a 2-12 record. He opened the season with San Diego and was part of a six-player trade June 13. The left-hander went 0-4 with a 5.56 earned-run average in five starts for the Cardinals.

The Cardinals called up pitcher Eric Ludwick from triple-A Louisville to take Valenzuela’s spot.

The action by St. Louis came a day after perhaps his worst performance of the season. He walked six and hit a batter in only 2 2/3 innings of a 4-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds Monday night.

Valenzuela is expected to clear waivers Friday.

Valenzuela, the National League’s Cy Young Award winner in 1981 with the Dodgers, has a career record of 173-152. He makes $1.65 million this season.

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Shortstop Kevin Nicholson, the first Canadian-born player to be taken in the first round of baseball’s amateur draft, agreed to terms of a contract with the San Diego Padres that includes an $830,000 signing bonus.

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The Cincinnati Reds signed first-round draft pick Brandon Larson, ending a contract stalemate with the shortstop from LSU.