Reliever Pedro Baez, Dodgers go to arbitration $500K apart

PHOENIX -- Dodgers reliever Pedro Baez asked an arbitration panel for a raise to $4 million and Los Angeles argued during a hearing Tuesday he should be paid $3.5 million.

A right-hander who turns 32 next month, Baez was 7-2 with a 3.10 ERA in 71 relief appearances last season, striking out 69 in 69 innings while walking 23. He had a $2.1 million salary.

A decision by arbitrators Robert Herman, Jeanne Charles and Margaret Brogan is expected Wednesday. Baez is eligible for free agency after this season.

Teams are 4-0 in decisions this year after the Colorado Rockies defeated catcher Tony Wolterson Tuesday. Wolterswill earn $1.9 million rather than his request for $2,475,000.

Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson, Minnesota pitcher Jose Berrios and Atlanta reliever Shane Greene all lost their cases.

Nine players remain scheduled for hearings, which run through Feb. 21.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.