Joseph goes to arbitration after record for ABs with no RBIs

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Backup catcher Caleb Joseph has gone to salary arbitration with the Baltimore Orioles after setting major league records for most at-bats and plate appearances in a season with no RBIs.

Joseph asked arbitrators Mark Burstein, Steven Wolf and Gary Kendellen for a raise from $523,500 to $1 million, and the Orioles argued during Wednesday's hearing he should be paid $700,000. A decision is likely Thursday.

The 30-year-old Joseph was eligible for arbitration for the first time after hitting .174 last year with three doubles in 132 at-bats and 141 plate appearances. The previous highs for a player with no RBIs were set in 1971 by Chicago White Sox All-Star pitcher Wilbur Wood with 96 at-bats and 124 plate appearances, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

RBIs became an official statistic in 1920.