BRADENTON, Fla. - Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Kip Wells agreed to a one-year contract Thursday, then returned to the mound for the first time since he was sidelined Sept. 5 by an elbow injury.

Wells, who was eligible for arbitration, agreed to a deal worth $3,175,000 and can earn a $50,000 bonus for pitching 210 innings or more. He made $2,575,000 during an injury-interrupted 2004 season.

The Pirates' opening-day starter last season threw 30 pitches - all fastballs - on the second day of the team's minicamp for pitchers and catchers.

"I'm pain-free when I'm throwing and that's the ultimate test," Wells said.

Injuries to Wells' elbow and right middle finger limited the 27-year-old to 24 starts. He was 5-7 with a 4.55 ERA and pitched only once after Aug. 13.

In his final start, Wells left after throwing 13 pitches and retiring only one batter against Houston.

"It was good to see him go out there and throw the ball," Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield said. "You don't want to make too much of it because it's only his first time. To know that he's feeling good and the elbow is fine is a positive."

The Pirates are being cautious with Wells, waiting until he throws all his pitches in spring training before assessing his status for the start of the season.

"This is not the hurdle we have to get over yet," pitching coach Spin Williams said. "That comes when the intensity level goes up higher. But it's a good start."

Wells won 10 games in 2003, when his 3.28 ERA was the 11th best in the National League.

"Kip is big for us," manager Lloyd McClendon said. "We need for our guy to be healthy, make 32-33 starts for us. My biggest concern going into spring training is the health of Kip Wells."

Pittsburgh has three unsigned players who are arbitration-eligible: utilityman Rob Mackowiak, first baseman-outfielder Craig Wilson and right-hander Josh Fogg.