ARLINGTON, Texas -- Left-hander Jake Diekman and the Texas Rangers have agreed to a one-year contract worth $1,255,000 and avoided salary arbitration.
Diekman was acquired last season from Philadelphia along with ace Cole Hamels and went 0-0 with a 2.08 ERA in 26 appearances with Texas. He earned $535,500 in his final season before becoming eligible for arbitration.
Diekman's deal, announced Friday night, was $7,500 below the midpoint between the $1.55 million he had asked for in arbitration and the $975,000 Texas had offered. He can earn a $20,000 performance bonus for appearing in 65 games.
Texas also agreed to a minor league contract with right-hander Steve Johnson, who will attend major league spring training. Johnson had a 10.13 ERA in six major league appearances with Baltimore last season.