The St. Louis Cardinals have signed free-agent infielder Felipe Lopez to a Major League contract.  Lopez, 28, was recently released by the Washington Nationals.

The switch-hitting Lopez was batting .234 with 2 homers, 20 doubles and 25 RBI for the Nationals in 100 games this season.   He started 69 games at second base, 7 at shortstop and 6 in left field this season.  He played his final game for the Nationals on July 31, delivering a pinch-hit double.

Lopez’ six-year Major League career has included stops with Toronto (2001-02), Cincinnati (2003-2006) and Washington (2006-2008).  He has compiled a lifetime .256 batting average, collecting 67 homers, 313 RBI and 105 stolen bases in 830 games.