Report: Braves agree to terms with James Russell on 1-year, $2.425-million deal

The Atlanta Braves avoided arbitration with reliever James Russell on Thursday, reportedly agreeing to a one-year, $2.425-million deal, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. 

Acquired from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Emilio Bonifacio in July, Russell posted a 2.22 ERA in 22 appearances for the Braves.

The 29-year-old is likely to be the top left-hander in Atlanta's bullpen. In five seasons, Russell owns a career 3.74 ERA in 338 games while holding left-handers to a .241/.280/.410 line over 540 plate appearances.