ST. LOUIS -- Needing space on their roster to protect some of their top Minor League prospects from the Rule 5 Draft coming in December, the Cardinals made a flurry of moves on Thursday, most notably waiving former starting center fielder Michael Siani and outrighting former first-round pick Zack Thompson .

The Cardinals also added infielder Bryan Torres to their 40-player roster, while outrighting left-handed pitchers Anthony Veneziano and Thompson so that they could become Minor League free agents. In addition to waiving Siani -- who was claimed by the Braves -- the Cards waived right-handed reliever Roddery Muñoz , who was claimed by the rival Reds.

The Cardinals have until 5 p.m. CT on Nov. 18 to create roster spaces for Minor Leaguers they want to protect from the Rule 5

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