ATLANTA (AP) - Eric Hinske is staying with the Atlanta Braves, agreeing to a one-year contract Thursday as the team decided not to offer a 2011 contract to outfielder Matt Diaz.
The 32-year-old Diaz, a .300 hitter through five seasons with the team becomes a free agent.
Hinske, 33, was gets a deal worth $1.45 million. He receives $1.35 million next year, and the Braves hold a $1.5 million option for 2012 with a $100,000 buyout.
Hinske hit .256 with 11 homers and 51 RBIs last season while playing left field, first base and third base. He provides insurance for rookie first baseman Freddie Freeman, the projected 2011 starter.
Hinske hit .298 (14-for-47) with three homers and 12 RBIs as a pinch-hitter.
Diaz spent most of his time with the Braves in a left-field platoon. The Braves recently acquired second baseman Dan Uggla from Florida. If third baseman Chipper Jones returns from knee surgery, Martin Prado is expected to move to left field.
Diaz was slowed by a right thumb infection in 2010, when he hit only .250 with seven homers and 31 RBIs.
His overall average for five seasons with the Braves was .305. He hit .338 in 2007 and .313 in 2009, when he set career highs with 13 homers and 58 RBIs.
By Rand Paul
Obama acts as though we no longer have a Constitution
Independent voices from the TWT Communities
First over-the-counter column approved for fast and effective relief from even your worst media-induced headache.
Challenge the political status quo. Realize that you make better decisions than the bureaucrats in D.C.?
A politically conservative and morally liberal Hebrew alpha male hunts left-wing viper
Benghazi: The anatomy of a scandal
13 Photos
Vietnam Memorial adds four names
18 Photos
Cinco de Mayo on the Mall
11 Photos
NRA kicks off annual convention
8 Photos
California wildfires wreak havoc
37 Photos
