Rockies, Morales Avoid Arbitration, Agree to Contract

Franklin Morales and the Colorado Rockies have agreed to a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration.

The team announced the deal Wednesday night.

The Rockies acquired the 27-year-old Morales and right-hander Chris Martin from the Boston Red Sox in December for infielder Jonathan Herrera.

Morales first signed with the Rockies in 2002 and pitched for Colorado from 2007-11. He spent the last 2½ seasons with Boston.

The left-hander was 2-2 with a 4.62 ERA in 20 appearances last year for the Red Sox, who won the World Series. He is 13-18 with 11 saves and a 4.38 ERA in 195 major league games, including 25 starts.

Morales has limited left-handed hitters to a .194 batting average during his career.