Everyone knew the Cubs would recall Adbert Alzolay to start Thursday’s game against the Reds, but the question was how they’d clear room on the roster. The answer is that they optioned Colin Rea, who was roughed up badly in his most recent appearance as the starter in a bullpen game against St. Louis, to the alternate site in South Bend.
The club also announced that Steven Souza Jr. has cleared waivers and was granted his release, not a great look for one of the two guaranteed contracts they offered last winter. But hey, Jeremy Jeffress is looking like one of their best free agent deals in the last few seasons, not that he’s got a lot of competition there.