Padres Claim Jeff Fulchino From Astros

The Padres announced that they've claimed relief pitcher Jeff Fulchino off waivers from the Astros today. In order to free up a roster spot for the move, San Diego has also designated reliever Pat Neshek for assignment.

Fulchino, 31, has split this season between Houston and Triple-A Round Rock, although he's gotten very different results at the two levels. In 33 innings with the Astros, Fulchino posted a 5.18 ERA with equally underwhelming peripherals, including a near-5 BB/9. But in Triple-A, he's thrived, posting a 0.56 ERA over 14 innings with dominant peripherals.

It's hard to say whether Fulchino will be capable of capturing his Triple-A magic in San Diego, but that's pretty much the ideal place for any pitcher to try.