Brewers, Kratz avoid salary arbitration

Veteran catcher Erik Kratz, 38, and the Milwaukee Brewers have agreed to a US$1.2-million, one-year contract that avoided salary arbitration and includes a $300,000 guarantee. Kratz hit .236 with six homers and 23 RBIs in 219 plate appearances last season. He excelled in Milwaukee’s Division Series win over the Colorado Rockies, going 5-for-8 in two games.