Mariners sign pitchers Aardsma, Lowe

SEATTLE, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- The Seattle Mariners signed pitchers David Aardsma and Mark Lowe to one-year contracts Tuesday, avoiding salary arbitration for each, team officials said.

Aardsma, 28, went 3-6 and posted a 2.52 ERA in 2009, racking up 38 saves in his first season as a full-time closer. He came to the M's from Boston before the season for minor-leaguer Fabian Williamson.

Lowe was a workhorse for the Mariners last season, appearing in a career-high 75 games and going 2-7 with a 3.26 ERA in 80 innings.

"We are pleased to have David and Mark signed for 2010," General Manager Jack Zduriencik said. "It was an important process to get to this point and avoid any distraction as we prepare for the upcoming season."