Pitcher Wandy Rodriguez, Houston Astros go to salary arbitration hearing

Rodriguez, Astros go to arbitration hearing

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Pitcher Wandy Rodriguez has gone to a salary arbitration hearing against the Houston Astros, asking to be paid $7 million this year instead of the team’s $5 million offer.

The 31-year-old left-hander was 14-12 last season with a 3.02 ERA, ninth in the NL among qualifiers. He struck out a career high 193, also ninth, and made $2.65 million. His 192 hits allowed also were a career high and 21 homers allowed were one shy of his worst.

Arbitrators Richard Bloch, Elizabeth Neumeier and Fredric Horowitz were expected to issue a decision Thursday, a day after hearing the case.

Players and owners have split four cases decided thus far, with Milwaukee outfielder Corey Hart ($4.8 million) and Florida outfielder Cody Ross ($4.45 million) winning, and Tampa Bay outfielder B.J. Upton ($3 million) and Washington reliever Brian Bruney ($1.5 million) losing.

Four more players are scheduled for hearings this week: Los Angeles Angels shortstop Erick Aybar and catcher Jeff Mathis; Washington left-hander Sean Burnett; and Chicago Cubs shortstop Ryan Theriot.