ST. LOUIS • In need of a fresh arm to fortify a weary bullpen, the Cardinals released veteran lefty J.C. Romero this morning in order to promote righthanded reliever Eduardo Sanchez from Class AAA Memphis.

Sanchez, 23, is expected to join the team in time for tonight's game against the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium.

The righthanded Sanchez did not allow an earned run during spring training, but his problems with command and inconsistent mechanics meant an assignment to Triple-A to start the year. There, his erratic performances continued until late April.

In his previous five appearances, a span that covers five innings, Sanchez has not allowed a hit. He has walked two, but he's also struck out five.

Romero struggled in his final three outings with the Cardinals. He allowed nine earned runs in 1 1/3 innings, and in recent appearances he had been pressed into extended work and not the usual specialist role for which he was assigned.

The Cardinals announced this morning that they unconditionally released the 34-year-old lefty.