LHP Hector Santiago, Angels agree to $5 million, 1-year deal

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - Left-hander Hector Santiago avoided salary arbitration with the Los Angeles Angels on Friday, agreeing to a $5 million, one-year contract.

The 28-year-old was 9-9 with a 3.59 ERA in 32 starts and one relief appearance last season, setting his career best for wins and making the AL All-Star team for the first time in his career. He was outstanding early in the season with a 2.33 ERA in his first 18 appearances.

But Santiago also allowed 29 homers, tied for the AL lead. He struggled occasionally down the stretch last season, and he isn't guaranteed a spot in Los Angeles' rotation heading into spring training next month.

Santiago is 23-28 with a 3.55 ERA in five seasons with Los Angeles and the Chicago White Sox, where he moved from a bullpen job to a starting role. He made $2.34 million last season with the Angels, who acquired him along with fellow starter Tyler Skaggs in a trade for Mark Trumbo in December 2013.

Three Angels remain eligible to file for arbitration on Tuesday: right-handers Garrett Richards and Fernando Salas, and outfielder Kole Calhoun.