Report: Hoover wins arbitration case over Reds

Cincinnati Reds reliever J.J. Hoover celebrated a small victory Friday after reportedly winning his arbitration case.

The two sides were not far off when they initially exchanged numbers last month. The Reds offered $1.23 million, while Hoover countered with $1.4 million. A three-person panel decided in favor of Hoover, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

Hoover, who was in his first year of arbitration eligibility, posted a 2.94 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 52 strikeouts in 64 1/3 innings last year, in which he earned $535,000.

The 28-year-old is the second pitcher to win his arbitration case this week after Tampa Bay Rays starter Drew Smyly won his Thursday.

Cincinnati no longer has any arbitration cases left this winter.