MLB notebook: Orioles’ Hammel, Jim Johnson reach deals

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Associated Press All-Star closer Jim Johnson will make $6.5 million and pitcher Jason Hammel will earn $6.75 million under their one-year contracts with the Baltimore Orioles. In addition, the Orioles were working toward a $5.8 million, two-year contract with Darren O’Day. The agreement, subject to a physical, would pay him $2.2 million this year and $3.2 million in 2014. The Orioles would have a $4.25 million option for 2015 with a $400,000 buyout. Johnson can earn an additional $50,000 in performance bonuses under Friday’s agreement: $50,000 each for 50 and 55 games finished. Hammel can make an extra $300,000 in performance bonuses: $100,000 for 25 games started, and $100,000 each for 175 and 190 innings pitched. The three right-handers were Baltimore’s only players in arbitration.

Published: February 10, 2013 - 11:41 PM | Updated: February 11, 2013 - 10:01 AM

Barajas returns to Arizona

Catcher Rod Barajas has returned to the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he started his major-league career.

The team said Sunday the 37-year-old agreed to a minor-league contract. He will go to spring training and compete with Wil Nieves for a backup job behind Miguel Montero.

Barajas hit .206 with 11 homers and 31 RBI in 321 at-bats for Pittsburgh last year. According to STATS, he threw out just four of 97 runners attempting to steal on him.

He played for Arizona from 1999-03, then went to Texas (2004-06), Philadelphia (2007), Toronto (2008-09), the New York Mets (2010) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (2010-11).

Hairston, Cubs finalize

Outfielder Scott Hairston and the Chicago Cubs have finalized a two-year contract.

The 32-year-old Hairston hit .263 with a career-high 20 homers, 57 RBI and 25 doubles last year in his second season with the New York Mets.

He also has played for Arizona (2004-07), San Diego (2007-09, 2010) and Oakland (2009) during a nine-year big-league career. Hairston has a .247 career average with 95 homers and 279 RBI.

The deal had been agreed to last month pending a physical and was completed Sunday. Outfielder Tony Campana was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot. Chicago has 10 days to trade him, assign him outright to the minor leagues or release him.

Lowe signs with Dodgers

Mark Lowe and the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a minor-league contract, giving the team another bullpen option in spring training.

The 29-year-old right-hander was 0-2 with a 3.43 ERA in 36 relief appearances for the Texas Rangers last year, when he didn’t pitch in the major leagues from June 25 to Aug. 10 because of a strained muscle in his right side.

He will compete for a job in a crowded bullpen as the high-spending Dodgers try to make the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

Reds add Galarraga

Pitcher Armando Galarraga has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Cincinnati Reds and will try to win a job at spring training.

The 31-year-old right-hander was 0-4 with a 6.75 ERA in five starts last year with the Houston Astros. When he pitched for Houston on July 28, it was his first major-league appearance since May 16, 2011, for Arizona.