Hunter, Orioles avoid arb with one-year contract

Reliever Tommy Hunter. (Patrick Semansky/AP).

BALTIMORE — Orioles reliever Tommy Hunter has agreed to a $4.65 million, one-year contract with the club.

Hunter began last season as Baltimore’s closer, but the right-hander faltered and was replaced by Zach Britton. Hunter regrouped and played a key role as a late-inning specialist for the AL East champions.

Hunter went 3-2 with 11 saves in 17 tries in 2014. He had a 2.97 ERA over 60 2-3 innings, striking out 45 and walking only 12.

Hunter avoids arbitration with the contract, which was announced on Monday.

The 28-year-old Hunter has been with the Orioles since arriving with Chris Davis in a July 2011 trade with Texas. He made his debut with the Rangers in 2008.

Hunter is 42-31 with a 4.32 ERA over 226 career games.

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