PITTSBURGH — Jeff Karstens and the Pittsburgh Pirates have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $3.1 million, one-year contract.

The 29-year-old right-hander went 9-9 with a 3.38 ERA in 2011, posting career highs in wins, strikeouts (72) and innings (162 1-3). The deal Tuesday gives him a raise from $1.15 million.

The Pirates also reached an agreement with right-handed reliever Evan Meek. The deal will pay Meek $875,000, a significant bump from the $461,500 he made in 2011. Meek was All-Star in 2010 but was limited by injuries last season, going 1-1 with a 3.48 ERA in 24 appearances.

DETROIT — Tigers star Victor Martinez could miss the entire 2012 season after injuring his left knee during offseason conditioning.The Tigers said Tuesday the 33-year-old Martinez tore his left ACL last week. An MRI on Monday in Lakeland, Fla., revealed the injury. The slugging designated hitter will be evaluated again next week, but the team fully expects Martinez to need surgery.