Astros manager Bo Porter said Monday that the team's closer role is "totally open."

"We'll figure out as the course of spring goes on and the season goes on who's best suited for that role, but it will be collectively a group effort to get those late outs in the back end of the game," Porter said. "I think it's totally open because I think competition brings out the best in all of us." Porter listed Jesse Crain, Chad Qualls, Josh Fields and Matt Albers as possibilities for the role. Crain would probably be the favorite if he was healthy, but he's set to begin the year on the DL. Porter mentioned closing experience and the ability to induce grounders as characteristics he'd like in his ninth inning man, which sure makes it sound like Qualls has the leg up for the gig.

Astros signed RHP Chad Qualls to a two-year, $9.5 million contract.

The deal includes a club option for 2016. The right-hander fell on hard times in 2012 but rebounded to post a 2.61 ERA and 1.23 WHIP as a middle reliever with the Marlins this past season. Qualls, who saved 24 games as recently as 2009, could also see some late-game action with Houston.

Marlins activated RHP Chad Qualls from the paternity leave list.

Qualls returns to a 2.89 ERA over 27 relief appearances this season. He'll resume a setup role.

Marlins placed RHP Chad Qualls on the paternity leave list.

Qualls has a 2.89 ERA over 27 appearances with the Marlins this season. Tom Koehler has been recalled to replace him on the active roster.

Marlins purchased the contract of RHP Chad Qualls from Triple-A New Orleans.

Qualls earned a spot by posting a 2.70 ERA and 6/2 K/BB ratio in 6 2/3 innings during Grapefruit League play. He'll work the middle innings.

Chad Qualls has earned a spot in the Marlins' bullpen.

Qualls, a non-roster invitee, has a 2.70 ERA and 6/2 K/BB ratio in 6 2/3 innings during Grapefruit League play. The 34-year-old is coming off a disappointing 5.33 ERA and 27/14 K/BB ratio between the Yankees, Pirates and Phillies last season. He'll pitch in middle relief for Miami.

Marlins signed RHP Chad Qualls to a minor league contract.

The deal includes an invitation to spring training. The 34-year-old reliever posted a disappointing 5.33 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 27/14 K/BB ratio over 52 1/3 innings for three different teams in 2012. He'll compete for a middle relief role with the Marlins.

Pirates activated RHP Chad Qualls from the 15-day disabled list.

Qualls had been out since late August with a toe injury. He'll return to middle relief duty.

Pirates placed RHP Chad Qualls on the 15 day disabled list, retroactive to August 25, with a left toe injury.

The Pirates needed to clear a roster spot for Hisanori Takahashi, so this likely isn't a major concern. Qualls figures to be activated from the DL and return to the bullpen when first eligible.

Pirates activated RHP Chad Qualls from the bereavement list.

The move was made prior to Tuesday's game, where Qualls allowed one run in one inning in an extra-inning loss to the Padres. The veteran right-hander has an 8.10 ERA and 3/1 K/BB ratio over 6 2/3 innings since coming over from the Yankees.

Chad Qualls was activated from the DL on Tuesday August 21.

The Phillies elected to receive cash from the Yankees for Chad Qualls.

Philly had the option of a player to be named later or cash, but officially announced the trade as Qualls for cash on Sunday afternoon. Odds are that the PTBNL list didn't include a prospect with even a minute chance to ever crack the Phillies' roster.

Yankees acquired RHP Chad Qualls from the Phillies for a player to be named later or cash.

Qualls was designated for assignment on Thursday but now finds himself going from last place in the NL East to first place in the AL East. He's put up a 4.60 ERA and 1.53 WHIP over 35 appearances this season but has enough of a track record that he could turn things around in New York.

Phillies designated RHP Chad Qualls for assignment.

Qualls has registered an ugly 4.60 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 31 1/3 innings this season with the Phillies. The 32-year-old righty could draw some interest on waivers.

Chad Qualls returned to action on Saturday May 12.

Updating an earlier item, Chad Qualls (knee) has not been placed on the disabled list.

Qualls is nursing a knee ailment that was expected to land him on the DL, but the Phillies evidently think he'll be ready to pitch before long. The right-hander holds a 3.48 ERA and 1.65 WHIP over 12 appearances this season.

Phillies placed RHP Chad Qualls on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 9, with a left knee injury.

It's not clear at this point how he suffered the injury or what exactly he's dealing with, but Qualls was seen wearing a brace on the knee, and this move was expected. He's posted a 3.48 ERA and 1.65 WHIP over 12 appearances this season.

Chad Qualls is expected to be placed on the disabled list with a left knee injury.

It's not clear when Qualls was injured, but Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said after Wednesday's game that Qualls was unavailable even though he had only thrown three pitches in the previous five days, and then the righty was later seen wearing a brace on his knee. He's expected to be one of three moves made by the Phils, as Laynce Nix (calf) is also likely headed to the DL, and Joe Savery has already been optioned.

Chad Qualls returned to action on Wednesday April 11.

Chad Qualls told reporters Monday that he feels like he can pitch through his heel injury.

Qualls said Sunday that if felt like a "knife was going at" the back of his foot. But that sensation eventually faded, and he should be able to avoid the disabled list.