A's agree with Devine to 1-year deal Eds: APNewsNow.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) The Oakland Athletics have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with right-handed reliever Joey Devine for next season.

Devine was projected as the team's closer for 2009 but missed the entire season after undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery in April, performed by Dr. James Andrews.

Devine went 6-1 with a 0.59 ERA and one save for the A's in 2008. He struck out 49 with 15 walks in 45 2-3 innings.

He is the first of Oakland's six arbitration-eligible players to agree to terms for 2010. The other five players are right-handed pitchers Santiago Casilla and Michael Wuertz, and outfielders Jack Cust, Rajai Davis and Scott Hairston.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-02-09 1624CST | save this article / add to your favorites list