The Pirates have signed SP Jeff Karstens to a one-year, $2.5 million contract, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Monday. The team announced the signing Thursday.
Karstens, 30, was non-tendered this winter despite a 3.97 ERA with a 4.4 K/BB in 90.2 innings. Pirates officials cited his lack of durability -- Karstens started 15 games in 2012 and has a career high of 162.1.
Karstens was projected to make $3.8 million from the Pirates had they tendered him a contract and taken him to arbitration according to MLB Trade Rumors. The righty will slot into the Pirates' rotation, likely taking the fifth and final spot.
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