The Tigers and flame throwing reliever Joel Zumaya have avoided arbitration and have come to terms on a one year deal. This is according to Tom Gage of the Detroit News.
Now according to MLBTradeRumors.com, Zumaya has as many strike outs (210) as he has innings pitched (209 2/3) in his career. Zumaya  also has the highest strikeout rate among all Tigers relievers with at least 100 appearances since the start of the 1953 season.
Then of course there are the injury problems that have plagued Zumaya’s career. He has been limited to only 60 appearances the last two seasons but was effective when healthy last season posting a 2.58 ERA with 8.0 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9 in 38 1/3 innings.
Starter Armando Galarraga remains the only Tigers player that is arbitration eligible. Like Jason Beck of MLB.com mentioned on Thursday, the Tigers do have a decision to make on Galarraga since it is looking more and more likely that the Tigers and Galarraga will be heading for an arbitration hearing.
Now Zumaya was an easier decision for the Tigers based on salary. Zumaya made $915K last year and if he were to go to arbitration the arbitrator would’ve decided on a lower end salary that was based on limited appearances and the fact that he is a reliever. This essentially makes Zumaya a low risk signing.
Galarraga is another story.
The arbitrator would’ve based his salary on the amount of games Galarraga started and the fact that he is a starter. Because of this Galarraga’s salary becomes significantly larger then Zumaya’s.
Zumaya is no longer eligible for arbitration.
Source: Detroit News, MLBTradeRumors.com
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