Orioles reach contract agreement with Tommy Hunter

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

January 14, 2013, 10:19am

Comments

The Orioles are down to seven arbitration-eligible players who haven't agreed to terms. The club announced this afternoon that it reached agreement with pitcher Tommy Hunter on a one-year deal. Hunter, 26, went 7-8 with a 5.45 ERA in 33 games, including 20 starts, in 2012. He allowed 32 home runs in 133 2/3 innings. Hunter began the year in the rotation before spending time at Triple-A Norfolk and the Orioles' bullpen. He was 4-8 with a 5.71 ERA as a starter and 3-0 with a 3.71 ERA in relief. Because he's out of minor league options, Hunter could return to the bullpen this year if he fails to win a spot in the rotation. Hunter made $493,500 last season. His current deal will pay him $1.82 million, according to an industry source. The Sun first reported the amount. The Orioles are still working on deals for Chris Davis, Jason Hammel, Jim Johnson, Brian Matusz, Darren O'Day, Troy Patton and Matt Wieters. Salary figures will be exchanged on Friday if agreements aren't reached, and hearing dates will be set next month. Shameless plug alert: I'm joining Rob Long today on "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report" from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. on MASN. The Sun's Mike Preston will be in studio for two segments.