The St. Louis Cardinals will pick up the two-year, $21 million option on starting pitcher Adam Wainwright, according to GM John Mozeliak, as reported by Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

“There is no reason for us not to assume it,” Mozeliak said.

The deal isn’t official until both sides sign-off, but will likely take place shortly after the season ends.   Wainwright has been out due to ligament replacement surgery that was performed in February.  He’s expected to return to the mound before mid-September.

Wainwright will make $9 million in 2012 and $12 million 2013.

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