ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Cardinals optioned sputtering reliever Anthony Reyes, who has a 5.27 ERA in nine appearances, to Triple-A Memphis today.

The 26-year-old Reyes was considered one of the team's top pitching prospects after beating the Tigers in the 2006 World Series opener. But he was 2-14 with a 6.04 ERA last year and lost out for rotation spot in spring training. He began the year as a long man in the bullpen.

Reyes has been a starter throughout his career, making two relief appearances last season and three in 2006 when he first came up. He has a 1-1 record and has been scored upon in his last three outings, surrendering six runs and 10 hits in seven innings.

Right-hander Mike Parisi was recalled from Memphis and was available for the final game of a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs. The 25-year-old Parisi was 2-1 with a 4.41 ERA, all as a starter, and was considered one of the team's top prospects after spring training.

He struggled in his last start on April 29, giving up seven runs and 10 hits in four innings.