D-Backs, LHP Thatcher agree to 1-year deal

PHOENIX (AP) - The Arizona Diamondbacks have avoided arbitration with reliever Joe Thatcher, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $2,375,000.

The 32-year-old left-hander was 3-2 with a 3.20 ERA in 72 appearances with the Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres last season.

Thatcher came to Arizona as part of the July 31 trade that sent right-hander Ian Kennedy to the Padres.

Since 2007, Thatcher ranks third among major leaguers in the percentage of inherited runners to score at 19 percent.

He has a career record of 8-12 with a 3.34 ERA in 309 games over seven seasons with San Diego and Arizona.

The contract was announced on Friday.