Jeff

Fulchino

Fulchino, 26, spend five days with the Marlins in June, pitching one-third of an inning. It’s likely that he’ll clear waivers.

He takes the spot of Yusmiero Petit, who was sent down after Sunday’s game. Fulchino, 26, was 2-4 with a 3.91 ERA, 74 H and 56/27 K/BB in 73 2/3 innings for Albuquerque. He’s unlikely to be a mainstay in the Florida pen, but those kind of numbers in such a hitter-friendly environment did make him worthy of an opportunity.

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 past season but boasted a 0.56 ERA in 16 frames at Triple-A.

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.

Fulchino allowed three runs in six innings during his two weeks with the Astros.

We figured Alberto Arias would be the first reliever recalled by the Astros, but he was left in to throw 70 pitches in relief for Round Rock on Saturday and wouldn’t have been available for the next couple of days. Fulchino, a waiver claim in December, gave up 14 earned runs in 14 innings for the Royals last season.

Fulchino was just demoted on Monday, but he’s returning after Jose Valverde was placed on the DL. He’ll pitch in low-leverage middle relief until Valverde’s mid-May return.

This is the third time already this season that Fulchino has been called up from Round Rock. He had a 5.91 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 10 2/3 inning in his previous stops with the Astros this year.

The Astros are so happy with the way their pen has come together than they couldn’t find room for Arias, who allowed just an unearned run over 10 1/3 innings and posted a 9/2 K/BB ratio this spring. He should be one of the team’s first callups.