Pirates keep starter Karstens on staff

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Right-handed starter Jeff Karstens has agreed to a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, eliminating the need for arbitration, the team said Tuesday.

Karstens went 9-9 with a 3.38 earned run average in 30 games (26 starts) this past season. He is 21-36 with a 4.52 ERA in 119 games (76 starts) for his career.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported a source said the 29-year-old hurler will be paid $3.1 million. He worked under a $1.1 million contract in 2011.