Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.com reports that Michael Crotta has signed a $500,000 contract with the Nippon Ham Fighters of Japan's Pacific League. After missing all of 2012 due to elbow issues, Crotta posted a 3.57 ERA with 44 strikeouts over 57 innings for the Nationals' Triple-A affiliate. He hasn't appeared in the majors since 2011 with the Pirates.

Nationals signed RHP Michael Crotta to a minor league contract. Crotta didn't pitch at all in 2012 due to elbow issues, but the Nats are giving him a shot after he hit 96 mph on the radar gun during a recent tryout. The 28-year-old right-hander had an ugly 9.28 ERA over 15 relief appearances with the Pirates in 2011.