Orioles sign lefthander Ryan

[WebHamster]

Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - The Baltimore Orioles signed pitcher B.J. Ryan to a one-year contract Wednesday, avoiding arbitration with the left- handed reliever.

Ryan, 28, posted a 4-1 record and 3.40 ERA in 2003. He made 76 appearances last season, tying him with Tippy Martinez for most in club history. His 11.26 strikeouts per 9.01 innings pitched ranked second among American League relievers.

Baltimore has now signed four of its five arbitration eligible players. Along with Ryan, the Orioles signed Jerry Hairston and Luis Matos to one-year contracts.

Melvin Mora was signed to a three-year contract. The only remaining player eligible for arbitration is Jay Gibbons.