The Mariners added another bullpen candidate on Thursday, signing left-hander Tyler Johnson to a Minor League contract that includes an invitation to Spring Training.

Johnson, 27, has a Major League record of 3-5 and a 4.32 ERA in 116 games, all with the Cardinals. He missed all of the 2008 season after undergoing surgery with bursitis in his left shoulder on May 14, 2007.

"Tyler is an experienced, left-handed reliever that gives us another option to look at for our bullpen," general manager Jack Zduriencik said in a release. "He's had success at the Major League level, especially against left-handed hitters. Over the past several weeks, we've had [scout] Duane Shaffer watching him throw, and the reports have been very positive."

Johnson logged 77 innings with the Cardinals, all in relief, allowing just 67 hits while striking out 65 batters during his career with the National League team.

His best season came in 2007, when he appeared in 55 games and held opposing hitters to a .217 (31-for-143) batting average. He also made 56 relief appearances with the Cardinals in 2006, and limited left-handed hitters to a .221 (17-for-77) average. He led all St. Louis pitchers with 10 appearances and four holds during the 2006 postseason, striking out 12 in 7 1/3 innings pitched.

Johnson could emerge as the left-handed setup man to the closer, who is yet to be determined.

After veteran reliever Arthur Rhodes was traded to the Marlins midway though last season, the Mariners lacked a dependable left-hander to use against left-handed batters late in games.

Seattle now has 60 players reporting to Major League Spring Training (40 players on 40-man roster, 20 non-roster invitees). Pitchers and catchers will hold their first workout on Feb. 14 in Peoria, Ariz., and the first full-squad workout will be held Feb. 18.