Antonio Bastardo signs one-year contract with Phillies

Before they had a chance to exchange salary-arbitration numbers Friday, the Phillies and reliever Antonio Bastardo came to an agreement on a one-year deal worth $1.4 million.

The deal includes award bonuses and represents an $895,000 raise for the 27-year-old lefthander, who figures to play a major role in manager Charlie Manuel's bullpen in 2013.

Bastardo was among the best lefthanded relievers in baseball two seasons ago, when he went 6-1 with a 2.64 ERA. He also converted eight of nine save opportunities.

The Phillies are hoping Bastardo returns to that form in 2013 after he struggled to consistently throw strikes last season.

His problems started in September 2011. After his first two appearances that month, his ERA was 1.35. In 73 appearances since, he has a 5.40 ERA and has walked 33 batters in 562/3 innings.

- Bob Brookover