SEATTLE, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Brett Tomko, who used a minor league stint to save his 2001 season, Wednesday avoided a potential arbitration hearing with the Seattle Mariners by signing a one-year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but Tomko earned $1.1 million last season.
The 28-year-old Tomko went 3-1 with a 5.19 ERA in 11 games for Seattle. He began the season with the Mariners but did not pitch well.
After being tagged for six runs in three innings against the New York Yankees on May 18, Tomko was sent to Class AAA Tacoma two days later. But in 18 starts with the Rainiers, he went 10-6 -- including a no-hitter on July 3 against Oklahoma.
Tomko rejoined the Mariners on Sept. 14 and allowed a run in six innings over his final two games. His last outing of the season resulted in a victory against the Texas Rangers on Oct. 4.
Tomko was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds on Feb. 10, 2000 in a deal that saw Seattle also receive center fielder Mike Cameron in exchange for superstar Ken Griffey Jr.
Seattle has six arbitration-eligible players.
