<
>

Catcher Curt Casali reaches deal with Reds to avoid arbitration

CINCINNATI -- Catcher Curt Casali and the Cincinnati Reds agreed to a $950,000, one-year contract that avoided salary arbitration.

Casali, 30, was acquired from Tampa Bay on May 31. He batted .293 in 52 games for the Reds -- 35 starts -- with four homers and 16 RBI. Casali threw out 5 of 24 runners trying to steal. He also made his first career appearances at first base -- six games -- and moved to second base in one game.

He had a $600,000 salary in the major leagues last year.

Seven Reds remain eligible for arbitration going into Friday's scheduled exchange of proposed salaries: outfielder Yasiel Puig; second baseman Scooter Gennett; right-handers Anthony DeSclafani, Michael Lorenzen and Tanner Roark; left-hander Alex Wood and shortstop Jose Peraza.