Vinnie Chulk has elected free agency.

The 33-year-old pitched well at Triple-A this year but posted a 10.00 ERA in seven appearances with the Brewers. Needless to say, he won't exactly be a hot commodity this winter.

Brewers designated RHP Vinnie Chulk for assignment.

Chulk, 33, made seven relief appearances with the Brewers, but struggled with command issues and seems likely to go through waivers unclaimed. The Brewers purchased the contract of Juan Perez in a corresponding move.

Vinnie Chulk can opt out of his contract with the A's on Friday if not promoted to the majors.

Chulk, 32, is sporting a cool 2.75 ERA and 30/13 K/BB ratio in 39 1/3 innings this season at Triple-A Sacramento and seems likely to seek a big league gig elsewhere if Oakland does not offer him one. The right-handed reliever hasn't pitched in a major league game since 2009, when he was with the Indians.

A's signed RHP Vinnie Chulk to a minor league contract.

Chulk posted a 4.96 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 10.5 K/9 rate at Triple-A Indianapolis in the Pirates organization in 2010 before being sold to the Hiroshima Toyo Carps in Japan at midseason. He didn't fare well overseas, posting a 5.79 ERA over 18 2/3 innings. Chulk has a 4.33 ERA and 1.39 WHIP over 276 1/3 career major league innings and will compete for a bullpen spot in spring training.

The Pirates have sold the rights to right-hander Vinnie Chulk to the Hiroshima Toyo Carps in Japan.

Pirates pitcher Hayden Penn is also headed overseas. Chulk, 31, had a 4.33 ERA over 252 major league innings and should do a little better in Japan. He'll also get paid significantly more.

Vinnie Chulk is working out a deal with a Japanese team.

He joins Hayden Penn, who is also a Pirates' farmhand that's reportedly all set to head to Japan. The 31-year-old Chulk holds a career 4.33 ERA over 252 major league relief appearances. You can't blame the guy for taking what's likely to be a much bigger paycheck overseas.