Photo of Tony Armas Jr. courtesy of Montreal Expos

Montreal – The Montreal Expos today agreed to terms with pitcher Tony Armas Jr., on a one-year contract for the 2003 season, avoiding salary arbitration in the process. The announcement was made by Expos' Vice-President and General Manager Omar Minaya. In 29 starts last season, Armas Jr., went 12-12 with a 4.44 ERA (81 ER-164.1 IP), finishing second on the team in wins, behind only Tomo Ohka, who won 13 games.

Armas Jr., went a perfect 4-0 in five September starts last season to finish with an even record, while posting a 3.00 ERA (11 ER-33.0 IP) during the month.

Last year, the righthander held opposing batters to a .243 average (149 hits in 164.1 IP), signalling the lowest opponent's average for any Expos' starting pitcher during the season.

Armas Jr., 24, now posts a lifetime 28-36 record with a 4.21 ERA (216 ER-462.0 IP) in 81 career starts. The native of Puerto Piritu, Venezuela joined the Expos December 18, 1997, when he was acquired as the player to be named later in a November 18 trade which sent pitcher Pedro Martinez to Boston in exchange for pitcher Carl Pavano. He made his debut in the majors in 1999, when he lost his only appearance in an August 16 start at San Francisco.

The signing of Armas Jr., leaves only pitchers Joey Eischen and Javier Vazquez, catcher Michael Barrett and shortstop Orlando Cabrera eligible for salary arbitration.

Montreal Expos – 14 January 2003