Villarreal got sent down to Triple-A Louisville despite posting a 2.25 ERA in eight spring training appearances.

EDGE Analysis

Villarreal was stymied by not being on the Reds' 40-man roster. "That poses part of the challenge," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "A lot of factors went into the decision. That No. 1, was a consideration -- creating roster spots for guys and having some flexibility with the guys we have on the roster. The other part is as we shrink this down, there are guys we really wanted to see first."

Villareal signed a minor league contract with the Reds on Saturday that includes an invite to major league spring training, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Villarreal posted a 3.42 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP over 50.0 innings as a reliever with the Reds last season. He was non-tendered at the beginning of the offseason but he'll be brought back on a minor league deal that does include an invite to big league spring training. Given the Reds' bullpen overhaul, Villarreal could have an outside shot at landing a low-leverage role in the bullpen.

Villarreal will not be tendered a contract by the Reds, C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

His 3.42 ERA in 2015 was more than 50 points below the Reds' collective bullpen mark, but the peripherals suggest he overachieved. While he improved his control, Villareal had a 5.2 K/9 and a below-average groundball rate, with his FIP coming in a full run higher than his ERA.

Villarreal was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Monday. Villarreal has bounced between Triple-A and the majors, thriving in the former and struggling in the latter. He'll hope to improve upon his numbers this season while with the Reds, where in three appearances, he's given up four runs in 4.2 innings.

Villarreal was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday. The Reds needed to add some infield help with Zack Cozart (knee) out for the year and Brandon Phillips nursing a minor injury. Villarreal was the roster casualty, and it's hardly surprising considering his struggles in three appearances at the major league level this season (four runs in 4.2 innings, 1:2 K:BB).

Villarreal was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Friday. Villarreal will replace Jason Marquis in the bullpen after the veteran was DFA'd on Friday. In his brief stints with the Reds earlier in the season, Villarreal struggled, allowing three runs in just under three innings of work. He's been much better with Louisville (3.68 ERA, 1.05 WHIP), but chances are he will continue to be limited to low-leverage situations in the majors.

Villareal was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday. The Reds need room on the 25-man roster for Ryan Mattheus, who was claimed off waivers from the Angels earlier Thursday. Villareal has given up three runs over just 2.2 innings this season, and he owns a 4.26 ERA over 12.2 innings for Triple-A Louisville.

Villarreal was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Monday. Villarreal pitched 12.2 innings with Triple-A Louisville, carrying an ERA of 4.26. He should provide bullpen depth, but offers limited fantasy value in the near future.

Villarreal will be recalled to serve as the 26th man for Saturday's doubleheader against the White Sox, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. Villarreal will provide the Reds with some bullpen depth in Game 2, but as the designated 26th man, he'll have to head right back down prior to Sunday's game. The right-hander has given up six runs on 12 hits with a 9:2 K:BB in 12.2 innings with Triple-A Louisville this season.

Villarreal has been optioned to Triple-A Louisville. The Reds needed to make space on the roster for the return of Homer Bailey for Saturday's start against St. Louis, and Villarreal was simply the odd-man out right now.