Rangers, Moreland avoid arbitration

Jan 23, 2015 - 11:46 PM Arlington, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - The Texas Rangers and first baseman Mitch Moreland have agreed to a one-year contract, avoiding salary arbitration.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported he will earn $2.95 million.

The 29-year-old Moreland missed much of the 2014 season due to an ankle injury that required surgery. In 52 games, he batted .246 with a .297 on-base percentage and two home runs, all career lows.

Moreland has spent all five of his big-league seasons with the Rangers, batting .252 with 65 home runs and 209 RBI in 494 games.

The Rangers also announced that right-handed pitcher Ross Ohlendorf signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Ohlendorf, 32, did not pitch in the majors in 2014 due to a back injury. In 2013, he compiled a 4-1 record with a 3.28 ERA in 60 1/3 innings over 16 games.