The St. Louis Cardinals have acquired John Axford from the Milwaukee Brewers for a player to be named later.

Axford is expected to join his new team on Friday night when they begin an important series with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"John is a reliever that offers experience as both a setup man and closer," John Mozeliak said. "He's also a pitcher who brings familiarity with the N.L. Central, pennant race baseball and the postseason."

Axford is 6-7 this season with a 4.45 ERA.