Joba Chamberlain made his first relief appearance since being named a member of the Yankees’ bullpen — and not their starting rotation — during Saturday’s spring game against the Tigers. He threw a scoreless inning, allowing two hits but also racking up a strikeout. The 24-year-old had a 14.09 ERA and a 2.48 WHIP over his first 7 2/3 innings of Grapefruit League play and officially lost the Yanks’ final rotation spot to Phil Hughes this week. Chamberlain had a 2.84 ERA and a 7/1 K/BB ratio in 6 1/3 innings out of the bullpen during last year’s playoffs and should do well in a setup role this season.
Jesus Luzardo beats Marlins in salary arbitration
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Pitcher Jesus Luzardo became the second player in two days to beat the Miami Marlins in salary arbitration and was awarded $2.45 million.
Miami had argued for $2.1 million during a hearing Thursday before a panel of John Stout, Melinda Gordon and Richard Bloch.
AL batting champion Luis Arraez, an All-Star infielder acquired by the Marlins from Minnesota last month, was awarded a $6.1 million salary on Thursday rather than the team’s $5 million figure.
Luzardo, a 25-year-old left-hander, was 4-7 with a 3.32 ERA in 18 starts last year, striking out 120 and walking 35 in 100 1/3 innings. He is 13-18 with a 3.59 ERA in 45 starts and 16 relief appearances over four big league seasons.
Luzardo made $715,000 last season and was eligible for arbitration for the first time. He can become a free agent after the 2026 season.
Players have won two of three decisions this year, with about 20 more scheduled for hearings.
Seattle defeated Diego Castillo in the first decision this year on Wednesday, and the relief pitcher will get a raise to $2.95 million rather than his request of $3,225,000.
A decision is being held for Los Angeles Angels outfielder Hunter Renfroe, whose case was argued Monday.