The Cardinals have signed Brian Fuentes to a minor league contract, the team announced (on Twitter). The Beverly Hills Sports Council client was released by the Athletics earlier this week.

In 25 innings for the Oakland this year Fuentes posted a 6.84 ERA with 6.5 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9. The 36-year-old left-hander is in the second year of a two-year, $10.5MM contract he signed following the 2010 season. If he's called up to St. Louis, the Cardinals will only owe him the pro-rated portion of the league minimum.
Cards need bullpen help and have nothing to lose here. Dave Duncan is not there to work his magic so I don't see Fuentes making a difference.