Catcher Mathis signs deal with Angels

ANAHEIM, Calif., Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Catcher Jeff Mathis has avoided arbitration and signed a 1-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels, the team announced Wednesday.

Mathis, a six-year veteran, batted .195 with three home runs and 18 RBI in 68 games with the Angels last season, missing much of the year after fracturing his right wrist in April.

He has compiled a .199 average with 23 homers and 117 RBI over 333 career games with the Angels.

With Mathis' signing, the Angels still have six players awaiting arbitration -- shortstop Erick Aybar, second baseman Howie Kendrick, first baseman Kendry Morales, catcher Mike Napoli, pitcher Jered Weaver and outfielder Reggie Willits.