Rea was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 29-year-old righty logged a 3.95 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 120 strikeouts in 148 innings at Triple-A last year. He will serve as organizational pitching depth.

Rea allowed four runs on three hits and two walks while retiring just two batters in Sunday's Cactus League game against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Rea now has a 12.71 ERA this spring, which isn't helping his case for Chicago's fifth starter job. Tyler Chatwood appears to be in the lead for the role, and at this point, Rea would probably be fortunate to secure a bullpen spot with the Cubs.

Rea is competing for the Cubs' fifth and final rotation spot in spring training, Russell Dorsey of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rea is competing with the likes of Tyler Chatwood, Adbert Alzolay and Alec Mills. Chatwood has the most MLB experience of the group and is considered the favorite, but Rea could surge ahead with a strong spring showing, though he didn't help his cause by allowing four earned runs in an inning of work Thursday. The 29-year-old last appeared in the majors in 2016 and is probably more of a longshot at this point to have significant fantasy value this season.

Rea's contract was selected by the Cubs on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Despite not pitching in the big leagues since 2016, the 29-year-old will be protected from the Rule 5 draft. Rea spent the 2019 season with Triple-A Iowa, where he finished with a 3.95 ERA in 26 starts.

The Cubs reassigned Rea to their minor-league camp Saturday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rea was a prospect of some repute while coming up in the Padres organization, but multiple injuries have derailed his development. The right-hander didn't appear in any Cactus League games while tending to an unspecified issue, making it uncertain if he'll be ready to pitch once the minor-league season gets underway.

Rea (undisclosed) will be on a restricted schedule during spring training, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear what is holding Rea back, but the Cubs will play it safe with the right-hander after a lat injury torpedoed his 2018 campaign. Rea's status for Opening Day remains up in the air; he doesn't figure to play a significant role for the Cubs in 2019 even when healthy.

Rea signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs which includes an invitation to spring training Wednesday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rea has a mediocre 4.69 ERA in 134.1 career major-league innings, none of which have come since 2016. Tommy John surgery cost him the entirety of his 2017 campaign, while a strained lat kept him out for the first half of last season. He spent the remainder of the year struggling to get back on track in the minors, finishing with a 5.73 ERA in 75.1 innings at the two highest levels. The 28-year-old has swingman upside at best and significant injury concerns cast doubt on him reaching even that low ceiling.

Rea was released by the Padres on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Rea, who was designated for assignment last week, will hit the open market after passing through waivers untouched. The 28-year-old right-hander split time between Triple-A El Paso and Double-A San Antonio in 2018, posting a combined 5.76 ERA across 75 innings. Rea owns a career 4.69 ERA in 134.1 major-league frames.

Rea was designated for assignment by the Padres on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Rea was bumped off the 40-man roster to make room for prospects ahead of the Rule 5 draft. The 28-year-old split time at Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A El Paso in 2018, but struggled to a combined 5.76 ERA over 75 frames.

Rea was placed on the disabled list with Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday with an undisclosed injury, Bill Center of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

He had a 6.19 ERA in 36.1 innings at Triple-A, working primarily as a starter. Jacob Nix was promoted from Double-A to take Rea's spot in the Albuquerque rotation.