ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Backup catcher Caleb Joseph has gone to salary arbitration with the Baltimore Orioles after setting major league records for most at-bats and plate appearances in a season with no RBI.
Joseph asked arbitrators Mark Burstein, Steven Wolf and Gary Kendellen for a raise from $523,500 to $1 million, and the Orioles argued during Wednesday's hearing he should be paid $700,000. A decision is likely Thursday.
The 30-year-old Joseph was eligible for arbitration for the first time after hitting .174 last year with three doubles in 132 at-bats and 141 plate appearances. The previous highs for a player with no RBI were set in 1971 by Chicago White Sox All-Star pitcher Wilbur Wood with 96 at-bats and 124 plate appearances, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
RBI became an official statistic in 1920.