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Watson loses arbitration case to Pirates, will earn $5.6M

Jerry Lai / USA TODAY Sports

Tony Watson apparently didn't get the salary he was looking for.

The 31-year-old lost his arbitration case to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, according to Jon Heyman of FanRagSports, who reports the reliever will earn $5.6 million in 2017. The Associated Press later confirmed the case was closed.

Watson entered the process seeking $6 million after converting 15 saves for Pittsburgh last season to go along with a 3.06 ERA.

The sinkerballer is expected to close games for the Pirates again in 2017.

Prior to 2016, Watson, a one-time All-Star, fashioned an ERA below 1.91 in two consecutive seasons, earning a reputation as one of the best late-inning relievers in all of baseball.

Over the course of his six-year career, he owns a 2.56 ERA and 1.04 WHIP during 403 appearances.

He will be eligible for free agency for the first time at the end of this season.

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