Major League Baseball roundup

[February 06, 2017]  Feb 5 (The Sports Xchange) - The Baltimore Orioles and right-hander Kevin Gausman settled on a $3.45 million contract for 2017 to avoid salary arbitration, according to multiple reports Sunday.

The 26-year-old Gausman was set for a hearing this week after filing for a $3.55 million salary, with the team countering at $3.15 million.

The deal reportedly includes a $50,000 incentive if Gausman makes at least 30 starts and an additional $50,000 if he reaches 33 starts.

Gausman went 9-12 with a 3.61 ERA in a career-high 30 starts in 179 2/3 innings last season. He holds a 23-31 record with a 3.97 ERA in 95 career games (72 starts) in four years with the Orioles.

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The Toronto Blue Jays and right-handed reliever Joe Smith agreed to a one-year contract, according to published reports.

Smith split last season with the Los Angeles Angels and Chicago Cubs, posting a 2-5 record with a 3.46 ERA and six saves.

Smith, 32, has 29 career saves but projects as a set-up reliever for the Blue Jays.

The Angels sent Smith to the Cubs at last season's trading deadline. He is 41-28 with a 2.93 ERA in 639 relief appearances in his 10 big-league seasons.

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The Pittsburgh Pirates are shifting Andrew McCutchen from center field to play right field in 2017, manager Clint Hurdle announced Sunday.

McCutchen was the team's center fielder for past eight seasons, but he will be replaced by Starling Marte, while Gregory Polanco will move to left field.

The 30-year-old McCutchen hasn't played an inning in right field in his major league career. He has played 1,175 games in center field for the Pirates and won a Gold Glove in 2012.

McCutchen won the National League MVP award in 2013, but his numbers dropped off last season when he hit just .256 with 24 home runs and 79 RBIs. (Editing by Andrew Both)

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