Maton got the call to record the final two outs of the contest after JoJo Romero allowed two of the three batters he faced to reach base safely to open the frame with the Cardinals leading by five runs at the time. It was his first save of the season. The 32-year-old veteran will presumably get the call for the occasional save chance when Ryan Helsley is unavailable for workload reasons.

This is the Cardinals’ first major league signing of the off-season. Two weeks before the season starts. Maton had a 3.66 ERA in 71 games for the Mets and Rays last season; however, he pitched to a 2.36 ERA in 28 appearances with the Mets after the trade deadline. He will provide another experienced arm in the Cardinals’ bullpen.

Maton will get a $250,000 buyout and become a free agent. Maton has been a solid reliever for years, making at least 65 appearances in each of the last four seasons. The Mets acquired Maton from the Rays at the trade deadline and, altogether, the 32-year-old pitched to a 3.66 ERA and 1.10 WHP in 64 innings, including a 2.36 ERA in 28 appearances during the second half. While the team option wasn’t an egregious overpay, the Mets likely believe they’ll be able to find a similarly talented reliever on the market for the same cost or less if they let free agency play out.

Edwin Díaz had worked four of the last five days, so he got this one off. Maton has also been busy; this was his fifth appearance in seven days. It’s his first save since he was acquired from the Rays in July and third this season overall.