Major League Baseball

Reliever JP Howell, Dodgers finalize $2.85M deal

Published Jan. 9, 2013 12:11 a.m. ET

foxsports

Left-hander J.P. Howell and the Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized a $2.85 million, one-year contract.

The 29-year-old reliever was 1-0 with a 3.04 ERA in 55 games for the Tampa Bay Rays last season and held left-handed batters to a .200 average (17 for 85).

He has a 21-23 record with a 4.42 ERA in 33 starts and 234 relief appearances for Kansas City (2005) and Tampa Bay (2006-12).

Howell can earn $750,000 based on relief appearances: $75,000 for 50, $125,000 for 55, $150,000 for 60 and $200,000 each for 65 and 70. He also can earn $300,000 for innings; $50,000 each for 50, 55, 65 and 70, and $100,000 for 75.

Howell also has $700,000 in games finished bonuses: $100,000 each for 30, 35 and 40, and $200,000 apiece for 45 and 50.

The deal was agreed to last week and announced Monday.