Jan 12, 2018
Diamondbacks' Lamb, Ray avoid arbitration
The Arizona Diamondbacks have avoided salary arbitration with third baseman Jake Lamb, lefty starter Robbie Ray, righty Taijuan Walker and several other players by reaching deals on one-year contracts.
The Canadian Press
PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks have reached one-year deals with centre fielder A.J. Pollock, third baseman Jake Lamb and starters Robbie Ray and Taijuan Walker, avoiding salary arbitration with them and several other players.
Right-hander Shelby Miller was the only Arizona player left in salary arbitration, asking for $4.9 million and being offered $4.7 million as the sides exchanged figures Friday. He lost in arbitration last year, getting $4.7 million instead of the $5.1 million he sought.
The 30-year-old Pollock will get $7.75 million, up from the $6.75 million he made last season while hitting .266 with 14 home runs and 49 RBIs. An All-Star in 2015, he missed nearly the entire 2016 season after breaking his elbow in a headfirst slide at home plate near the end of spring training.
Lamb received a $4,275,000 contract, Ray got $3.95 million and Walker received $4,825,000.
Also reaching deals were left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin for $1,195,000; right-hander Brian Boxberger at $1.85 million; outfielder David Peralta for $3.3 million, infielder/outfielder Chris Owings at $3.4 million, catcher Chris Herrmann at $1.3 million and shortstop Nick Ahmed at $1,275,000.
Lamb was a significant player in the lineup of the team that earned the top spot in the NL wild-card race last year. He hit 30 home runs with 105 RBIs.
Ray was 15-5 with a 2.89 ERA. The 26-year-old struck out 218 in 162 innings. Walker went 9-9 with a 3.49 ERA.
Chafin was the No. 1 lefty out of the bullpen. His 71 appearances were more than other Arizona pitcher. Boxberger, who agreed to a $1.8 million deal, is a former closer who had an American League-best 41 saves in 2015 has been bother by injuries the past two seasons. He was acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay.
Left-hander Patrick Corbin agreed to a $7.5 million, one-year contract Thursday.
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