ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Cleveland Indians improved to 2-0 in salary arbitration cases this year, defeating pitcher Josh Tomlin.
The 29-year-old right-hander will receive $800,000 this year rather than his request for $975,000. Arbitrators John Sands, Dennis Archer and Marlene Gold made the decision Saturday, a day after hearing arguments.
Cleveland defeated pitcher Vinnie Pestano last weekend in the Indians' first arbitration hearing since 1991. Indians right-hander Justin Masterson is one of six players left in arbitration from among the 146 who filed last month. Hearings are scheduled through Feb. 20.
In the only decision not involving the Indians, pitcher Andrew Cashner defeated the San Diego Padres.
Tomlin had elbow ligament-replacement surgery in August 2012 and returned to make one big league appearance last season, pitching two scoreless innings at the Chicago White Sox on Sept. 12. He made $501,800 last year.
Teams have a 293-215 advantage in decisions since arbitration began in 1974.
Others slated for hearings next week include Atlanta closer Craig Kimbrel, Boston left-hander Andrew Miller, Cincinnati right-hander Homer Bailey, Oakland outfielder Josh Reddick and San Francisco first baseman Brandon Belt.
Seattle first baseman Justin Smoak agreed Saturday to a one-year contract that guarantees him $2,787,500.
