Rangers agree with Diekman at $1,255,000, add Steve Johnson

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Left-hander Jake Diekman and the Texas Rangers have agreed to a $1.255 million, one-year contract and avoided salary arbitration.

The team announced the deal Friday night. Diekman was acquired last season from Philadelphia along with ace Cole Hamels and went 0-0 with a 2.08 ERA in 26 appearances with Texas. He earned $535,500 in his final season before becoming eligible for arbitration.

Diekman asked for $1.55 million in arbitration, while the Rangers had offered $975,000.

The Rangers have also signed right-hander Steve Johnson to a minor league contract with an invite to major league spring training. Johnson made six major league appearances with Baltimore last season and posted a 10.13 ERA.