Vinnie Pestano, relief pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, went to arbitration over his 2014 salary and loss. During Friday’s hearing in St. Petersburg, Florida Pestano faced the MLB arbitration panel due to a salary disagreement with the Indians.
Pestano, 29, was seeking a salary of $1.45 million, but the panel ruled for the Indians’ salary offer of $975,000. This is the first time the Indians have gone to arbitration over a salary since 1991.
According to thenewsherald Pestano made $501,900 last season but spent a lot of time either hurt or at Triple-A Columbus. His injuries likely contributed to his salary denial. In 37 appearances Pestano was 1-2 with a 4.08 ERA for the 2013 season.
The Indians will face three more arbitration hearings next week if there are no agreements made. According to clevelandleader right-handed pitcher Josh Tomlin, outfielder Michael Brantley, and pitcher Justin Masterson are all scheduled to face the panel. The biggest case being Justin Masterson who’s seeking over $3 million more than what the Indians are offering.