Twins, Duensing avoid arbitration, agree to terms on $1.3 million deal

The Minnesota Twins came to terms on a $1.3 million contract with Brian Duensing for the 2013 season, avoiding arbitration on Friday.

Duensing posted a 5.12 ERA with 69 strikeouts and 27 walks in 109 innings last season, bouncing back and forth between the bullpen and rotation.

Duensing is likely to pitch exclusively out of the bullpen in 2013, where he owns a 3.38 career ERA as opposed to 4.57 as a starter.

This offseason was Duensing's first in arbitration. He earned $515,000 in 2012.

Phil Mackey is a columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He co-hosts "Reusse & Mackey" weekdays from 4 to 6pm on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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