(Sports Network) - The Milwaukee Brewers have declined their mutual option on pitcher Braden Looper, instead agreeing to a $1 million buyout with the right-hander.

Looper, who could have made $6.5 million had Milwaukee exercised the option, signed a one-year deal with the Brewers last winter and went 14-7 for them with a 5.22 earned run average in 34 starts. He led the team in wins, innings (194 2/3) and starts, but also allowed the most home runs in the majors with 39, while surrendering a National League high 123 runs.

The 35-year-old Looper had spent the previous three seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals and has also pitched for the Florida Marlins and New York Mets in his 12-year big league career.

After posting a record of 9-3 with a 3.56 earned run average pitching out of the bullpen for the Cardinals during their World Series championship season of 2006, he was converted into a starter and has worked out of the rotation for the past three seasons.

In 97 starts, Looper is 38-33 with a 4.75 ERA.

Looper, who pitched exclusively as a reliever before 2007, has a career mark of 72-65 with a 4.15 ERA. He also has 103 saves and was the closer for the Marlins' World Series title team in 2003.











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