Padres sent RHP Hector Ambriz outright to Triple-A El Paso.

Ambriz was designated for assignment by the Padres on Thursday and passed through waivers unclaimed. The right-hander appeared in only one game for San Diego.

Padres designated RHP Hector Ambriz for assignment.

Ambriz appeared in only one game with the Padres during his brief time with the big club. He's being replaced in the bullpen by Kevin Quackenbush.

Padres purchased the contract of RHP Hector Ambriz from Triple-A El Paso.

Ambriz earned the promotion after posting a 1.62 ERA with 13 strikeouts over 16 2/3 frames for El Paso. He'll work in middle relief.

Padres signed RHP Hector Ambriz to a minor league contract.

Ambriz has posted a 5.37 ERA over 95 career appearances, with 43 of those games coming last year with the Astros. He'll provide minor league depth.

Hector Ambriz has elected free agency.

Ambriz posted a 5.70 ERA across 43 games for the Astros this season. He's got a decent arm, though, so someone will take a shot on him.

Astros designated RHP Hector Ambriz for assignment.

The move was made to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Eric Thames. Ambriz began the season as the Astros' setup man but has posted a 5.70 ERA and 27/14 K/BB ratio over 36 1/3 innings this season. He should pass through waivers.

Astros optioned RHP Hector Ambriz to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Ambriz, 29, has a 5.70 ERA and 27/14 K/BB ratio over 36 1/3 innings this season. He should get another crack in the Astros' bullpen later this summer.

Hector Ambriz retired two of the three batters he faced Wednesday in his return to the majors.

Ambriz was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday evening. The 29-year-old righty has a 5.55 ERA and 1.77 WHIP in 35 2/3 innings this season with Houston.

Hector Ambriz will join the Astros on Friday.

Houston optioned left-hander Brett Oberholtzer to clear a 25-man roster spot. Ambriz, 29, has posted a rough 5.40 ERA and 1.74 WHIP across 33 1/3 innings this year in the major leagues. He'll pitch in middle relief.

Astros optioned RHP Hector Ambriz to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Ambriz has posted an ugly 5.40 ERA and 1.71 WHIP in 33 1/3 innings this season. He'll be back eventually.

Hector Ambriz earned his second save of the season in Sunday's win over the Angels.

With Jose Veras unavailable after pitching the last two days, Amriz pitched a scoreless ninth inning. He remains the top candidate for saves if Veras continues to struggle. Rule 5 pick Josh Fields could also find his way into high-leverage situations.

Hector Ambriz recorded his first major league save Thursday by striking out two in a scoreless ninth against the Rockies.

Ambriz is next in line for saves if Jose Veras keeps struggling. Veras, who was having such a great May, has given up runs in three of four appearances, and he got tonight off after working three straight days. Ambriz isn't anything special; he wouldn't even have a spot in the bullpens of 20 major league teams. Still, he's become worthy of some consideration in AL-only leagues, and he'll be a certain pickup if Veras struggles next time out.

Hector Ambriz allowed two hits but escaped his inning of relief unscathed in Monday's extra-inning victory against the Rockies.

He struck out one. Houston rarely affords its middle relievers with leads, which makes it difficult to accrue holds, but Ambriz has notched eight thus far, even though his work has proved uninspiring. Ambriz is 1-2 with a 4.94 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 19/8 K/BB ratio over 25 appearances.

Hector Ambriz (ankle) is scheduled to throw live batting practice this week.

Ambriz was on a restricted throwing program the last two weeks with an ankle injury. He's behind the rest of the Astros' pitchers but should have no trouble being ready for Opening Day.

Hector Ambriz (ankle) will throw off a mound Friday.

Ambriz has been limited to playing catch since rolling his ankle last week during a fielding drill. He's a little behind schedule but should have no trouble being ready for Opening Day.

Hector Ambriz (ankle) threw lightly on Monday.

Ambriz rolled his ankle last week during a fielding drill, but he is already out of his protective boot and should be performing full workouts again by the end of this week. The 28-year-old right-hander is expected to function as a setup man this season out of the Astros bullpen.

MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reports that X-rays to Hector Ambriz's left ankle came back negative.

Ambriz rolled his ankle while trying to cover first base during a fielding drill this week and was spotted a walking boot Friday. However,the injury doesn't appear to be serious and he should continue to be viewed as day-to-day going forward.

Hector Ambriz (ankle) was wearing a walking boot on his right foot Friday.

Ambriz rolled his right ankle Thursday while trying to cover first base during a fielding drill. He should be considered day-to-day at this point.

Hector Ambriz rolled his right ankle while trying to cover first base Thursday during a fielding drill.

Ambriz should be back in action in a couple of days. The 28-year-old right-hander is locked into a setup job.

Astros purchased the contract of RHP Hector Ambriz from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Ambriz was sporting a 3.33 ERA in 24 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level. He will operate as a middle reliever.