Rea had been a model of consistency of late for the Cubs, covering between five and six innings in each of his last eight starts while submitting a 3.30 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 34:13 K:BB in 43.2 innings. Despite his solid numbers, Rea will at least temporarily find himself as the odd man out of the rotation while the Cubs clear room for Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes (fibula), both of whom were acquired leading up to Monday's trade deadline. Even if the Cubs elect to expand the rotation to six on a more permanent basis, Rea could still face competition for a spot from Javier Assad, who will start Tuesday's game versus the Dodgers. Edward Cabrera (hamstring) is also in the midst of a rehab assignment and could factor into the Cubs' rotation plans once he's activated from the 15-day injured list.

Chicago was busy bolstering its rotation before the deadline, and the Cubs now have Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga at the top, along with the newcomers Gausman and Holmes. David Peterson has also pitched well lately, and Edward Cabrera (hamstring) is expected back soon. Given all the other starting options now on the roster, Rea figures to slide into a long-relief role, though he's certainly capable of making spot starts if needed. The veteran righty has 4.59 ERA and 1.36 WHIP across 117.2 innings this season, and 19 of his 23 appearances to date have come as the starting pitcher, so he should be able to give the team some length out of the bullpen when called upon.