Holland officially inks 1-year deal with Cardinals, will start season in High-A

The St. Louis Cardinals made a handful of moves Saturday that will have a significant impact on their bullpen.

All-Star closer Greg Holland officially agreed to a one-year deal with the club and will be sent to High-A in order to give him some reps after he missed all of spring training, according to Joe Trezza of MLB.com. The 32-year-old is expected to slide into the closer's role once he's ready and will solidify the back end of the bullpen.

Holland needs to spend at least 10 days in the minors and is scheduled to throw live batting practice Monday.

"We liked our club coming out of spring training, and (if) it all works out, this will make us stronger," Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said.

It was reported earlier in the week that the deal is valued at $14 million.

In order to make room for Holland on the 40-man roster, the Cardinals transferred right-hander Alex Reyes from the 10-day DL to the 60-day DL. The highly touted pitching prospect is still recovering from Tommy John surgery last February. He won't be eligible to come off the DL until late May.

St. Louis also placed left-handed reliever Brett Cecil on the 10-day DL with a left-shoulder strain. Cecil recorded one out on Opening Day, while also allowing a hit.