ST. LOUIS — Left-handed reliever Randy Choate's three-year, $7.5 million agreement with the St. Louis Cardinals became official Friday when he passed his required physical.

"Randy is very capable of getting tough outs in tough spots against some of the game's premier left-handed batters," Cardinals General Manager John Mozeliak said in a statement released by the team. "He gives us added flexibility during the back half of games working in tandem with 'Zep (Marc Rzepczynski) and the rest of our bullpen staff."

The parties agreed to the contract Wednesday during the winter meetings in Nashville, Tenn., pending Choate's physical.

Choate had no record last season, but tied with three other pitchers for the major-league lead in games pitched with 80 for the Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers. He compiled a 3.03 ERA in 38 2/3 innings, with 18 walks and 38 strikeouts.

The Dodgers acquired Choate and infielder Hanley Ramirez from the Marlins on July 25.

Choate is 11-11 with a 4.02 ERA in 476 career games, all out of the bullpen. The Cardinals are Choate's sixth team.

Choate also has pitched for the New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays.

Choate limited left-handed hitters to a .158 average last season (16-for-101) with 30 strikeouts. Lefties hit just one homer against him.