Padres sign reliever Chad Qualls

The Padres signed reliever Chad Qualls to a $2.55 million, one-year contract.

Qualls split last season between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays, going 3-4 with a 7.32 ERA in 70 appearances. He converted 12 saves in 16 opportunities for the Diamondbacks before being traded to the Rays on July 31.

The right-hander joins an outstanding bullpen that helped keep the Padres in playoff contention until the final day of the regular season. He gets a $1.5 million salary this year and the deal includes a $6 million club option for 2012 with a $1.05 million buyout.