Dodgers sign A.J. Ellis, avoiding arbitration

The Dodgers and catcher A.J. Ellis have agreed on a one-year contract that guarantees him $3.55 million and avoids an arbitration hearing.

Ellis, 32, batted .238 last season with 10 home runs, 52 runs batted in and a .318 on-base percentage. He also threw out 28 of the 63 who tried to steal bases.

The Dodgers’ pitchers and catchers report to spring training at Camelback Ranch in Arizona on Feb. 8.

Ellis and Tim Federowicz enter camp as the projected major league catchers, but the Dodgers also have veteran Drew Butera for depth.