BALTIMORE — Gregg Zaun agreed to a one-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles today, bringing the well-traveled catcher back to the team that drafted him in 1989.

The 37-year-old Zaun is expected to replace Ramon Hernandez as the starting catcher, at least until top prospect Matt Wieters is ready.

Zaun has 14 years of experience to draw upon in working with a young pitching staff and newcomer Koji Uehara of Japan. Zaun has a .251 batting average in 1,114 games with Baltimore, Florida, Texas, Kansas City, Houston, Colorado and Toronto.

To make room for Zaun on the roster, the Orioles designated first baseman Oscar Salazar for assignment.