Nationals signed RHP Jeff Fulchino to a split contract.

It's not clear exactly what provisions are in the deal, but it's likely just a difference in salary depending on if he makes the team. Fulchino posted a 5.71 ERA over 34 2/3 innings for the Astros and Padres this season but boasted a 0.56 ERA in 16 frames at Triple-A.

Jeff Fulchino has elected free agency.

The Padres recently outrighted Fulchino off the 40-man roster. The 31-year-old righty posted a 5.71 ERA over 34 2/3 innings for the Astros and Padres this season, but he was much better at Triple-A and is just a couple years removed from a nice season for Houston. He should be able to land a minor league deal somewhere.

Padres claimed RHP Jeff Fulchino off waivers from the Astros.

Fulchino is expected to join up with the Padres on Friday and will pitch in mid-relief. The 31-year-old righty posted an ugly 5.18 ERA in 33 innings with Houston.

Astros optioned RHP Jeff Fulchino to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Fulchino's reward for throwing a perfect inning tonight. He has a 5.18 ERA in 33 innings for the season.

Astros optioned RHP Jeff Fulchino to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Wandy Rodriguez is set to rejoin the team Monday, making Fulchino the odd man out. Fulchino, 31, posted a 4.88 ERA and 1.590 WHIP in 30 appearances out of the bullpen in 2011. He'll serve as minor league depth.

Jeff Fulchino underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow Monday.

He had inflamed tissue and a bone spur removed from his elbow. It shouldn't impact his ability to be ready for spring training. Fulchino, who turns 31 in November, posted a 5.63 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 45/22 K/BB ratio over 46 1/3 innings this season.

Jeff Fulchino will have arthroscopic surgery on his elbow Monday.

The procedure is believed to be fairly minor and shouldn't affect his ability to get ready for the 2010 season. Fulchino posted a 5.63 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 45/22 K/BB ratio in 46 1/3 innings this season in Houston.

Astros activated RHP Jeff Fulchino from the 15-day disabled list.

The right-handed reliever had been out since the end of June with tendinitis in his throwing elbow. Fulchino returns to a 6.83 ERA in 29 appearances with the Astros this season.

Jeff Fulchino (elbow) made a one-inning minor league rehab appearance on Monday at Triple-A Round Rock.

Fulchino threw eight of his 12 pitches for strikes and allowed just one hit. He's scheduled to make appearances on Wednesday and Friday before possibly rejoining the Astros over the weekend. The right-handed reliever has been out since the end of June with tendinitis in his throwing elbow.

Jeff Fulchino (elbow) will head to Triple-A Round Rock on Monday to begin a short minor league rehab assignment.

Fulchino will make appearances Monday, Wednesday and Friday before rejoining the Astros next weekend. The right-handed reliever has been on the disabled list since the end of June due to elbow tendinitis.

Jeff Fulchino (elbow) felt fine after a simulated game Friday.

Manager Brad Mills said that the reliever could go out on a rehab assignment as early as Sunday. Fulchino has been on DL since June 29.

Jeff Fulchino (elbow) threw approximately 25-30 pitches in a bullpen session Monday.

He is slated to toss another bullpen session Wednesday before throwing in a simulated game on Friday. Assuming all goes well, he could go out on a minor league rehab assignment shortly thereafter. Fulchino has been on the disabled list since June 29 due to right elbow tendinitis.

Jeff Fulchino still feeling soreness in his right elbow during a throwing session Tuesday.

Fulchino was placed on the disabled list with right elbow tendinitis on June 29. After today's setback, he is now scheduled to be evaluated by team doctors.

Astros placed RHP Jeff Fulchino on the 15-day disabled list with with right elbow tendinitis.

Fulchino has avoided the disabled list until this point, although his elbow has been barking for a while. He has a 6.83 ERA in 29 appearances with the Astros this season.

An MRI on Jeff Fulchino's right elbow came back negative.

Fulchino's elbow has been nagging him lately and it shows. He has allowed 14 runs over his last eight appearances after allowing eight in his first 18 appearances this season. Still, he is taking medication and will be available out of the bullpen for Friday's game against the Rangers.