Brewers avoid arbitration with Parra
After missing 2011 season, lefty agrees to one-year deal

By: Adam McCalvy / MLB.com | 01/12/12 4:33 PM EST

MILWAUKEE -- The Brewers and left-hander Manny Parra struck an agreement on a one-year contract Thursday, avoiding arbitration.

Parra did not pitch in the Major Leagues in 2011 because of back and elbow injuries, and underwent surgery in late August to remove a spur from his elbow. He earned $1.2 million last season after being arbitration-eligible for the first time, and a source said Parra would earn the same salary in 2012. The fact the Brewers opted to tender Parra a contract in December indicated they feel he can contribute in 2012. The former top prospect found success after moving into a relief role in 2010, posting a 2.39 ERA, a .252 opponents' average and a nearly three-to-one strikeout-to-walk ratio in 26 appearances out of the bullpen. Parra was slated to be a key bullpen piece in 2011 before a back injury derailed his Spring Training.

Parra is the third Brewers player to sign instead of entering the arbitration process. Still unsigned are pitchers Kameron Loe, Shaun Marcum, Francisco Rodriguez and Jose Veras, and outfielder Nyjer Morgan. Rodriguez is a special case because he was a free agent who accepted arbitration, while the others are still in their pre-free agency seasons.