Pedro Báez, Dodgers go to arbitration $500,000 apart

PHOENIX (AP) — Dodgers reliever Pedro Báez asked an arbitration panel for a raise to $4 million and Los Angeles argued during a hearing Tuesday he should be paid $3.5 million.

A right-hander who turns 32 next month, Báez was 7-2 with a 3.10 ERA in 71 relief appearances last season, striking out 69 in 69 2/3 innings while walking 23. He had a $2.1 million salary.

A decision by arbitrators Robert Herman, Jeanne Charles and Margaret Brogan is expected Wednesday. Báez is eligible for free agency after this season.

Teams are 3-0 in decisions this year, with a decision expected later Tuesday for Colorado catcher Tony Wolters. Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson, Minnesota pitcher José Berríos and Atlanta reliever Shane Greene all lost their cases.

Nine players remain scheduled for hearings, which run through Feb. 21.