Major League Baseball

BJ Upton and Rays go to arbitration over $300,000

Published Feb. 12, 2010 6:47 p.m. ET

foxsports

Outfielder B.J. Upton and the Tampa Bay Rays have gone to a salary arbitration hearing over a $300,000 difference.

Eligible for arbitration for the first time, Upton asked for a raise from $435,000 to $3.3 million, and the Rays argued for $3 million. Arbitrators Gil Vernon, Elizabeth Neumeier and Elliott Shriftman are expected to issue a decision Saturday, a day after hearing arguments.

Upton hit .251 with 11 homers, 55 RBIs and 42 steals last season, a slight decrease from his production the previous year, when he batted .273 with nine homers, 67 RBIs and 44 stolen bases.

Tampa Bay is unbeaten in four salary arbitration cases.