Pirates nearly triple Karstens' salary, OK $3.1M deal
PITTSBURGH -- Right-hander Jeff Karstens and the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a $3.1 million, one-year contract, nearly triple his $1.15 million earnings last year.
The 29-year-old went 9-9 with a 3.38 ERA in 2011, posting career highs in wins, strikeouts (72), and innings (162 1-3). His deal avoided salary arbitration.
Karstens was among the league leaders in ERA into August before tailing off toward the end of the season, losing four of his last five decisions while having several starts skipped due to fatigue.
Players and teams were due to swap proposed figures in salary arbitration later Tuesday.
Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.
