Lambert signed a one-year contract with the Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball.

Lambert elected free agency Thursday.

The Rockies optioned Lambert to Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday.

Lambert was removed from his relief appearance in Thursday's 9-1 loss to the Mets due to what Rockies manager Bud Black described as a "severely bruised" left thumb, MLB.com reports. "It ballooned up as the outing went on," Black said of Lambert's left thumb, which was struck by a Francisco Lindor line drive in the fourth inning. "It got to the point where it was becoming a little bit of a distraction for him to pitch, so that's why we got him out of there. We took X-rays, and they were negative."

The Rockies recalled Lambert from Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday

The Rockies optioned Lambert to Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday.

Lambert was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Lambert was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday.

Thomas Harding of MLB.comRockies manager Bud Black said Friday that Lambert will be moving out of the rotation to the bullpen, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Lambert (2-2) took the loss against the Giants on Wednesday, allowing seven runs on nine hits over three innings. He struck out two.