Cubs sent RHP Esmailin Caridad outright to Triple-A Iowa.

The move clears him from the 40-man roster. Caridad, 28, posted an obscene 8.02 ERA and 40/29 K/BB ratio over 46 innings this season between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa.

Cubs optioned RHP Esmailin Caridad and LHP John Gaub to Triple-A Iowa.

Caridad was only barely in the running for a major league bullpen gig. He allowed seven runs in four innings last year for the Cubs and posted a 5.11 ERA in the minors.

Cubs activated RHP Esmailin Caridad from the 60-day disabled list; optioned him to Double-A Tennessee.

Caridad effectively takes the place of Mitch Atkins on the 40-man roster. The 26-year-old right-hander has been sidelined for most of the season due to elbow problems, posing an 11.25 ERA over just eight appearances.

Cubs transferred RHP Esmailin Caridad from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list.

The paper move allows the Cubs to add another player to their 40-man roster. Limited to just eight appearances with the Cubs this season due to elbow problems, Caridad posted an 11.25 ERA and 4/5 K/BB ratio.

Cubs placed RHP Esmailin Caridad on the 15-day disabled list with a right elbow strain.

Caridad was activated from the disabled list just 11 days ago but can't seem to stay healthy. The 26-year-old right-handed reliever has allowed seven runs -- five earned -- in four innings of relief this year.

Cubs activated Esmailin Caridad from the 15-day disabled list.

Caridad has looked solid enough in a handful of rehab outings and will bring a little more consistency to the Cubs' lackluster bullpen. He missed about three weeks with a mild right forearm strain.

Esmailin Caridad (forearm) could be activated from the disabled list as soon as Sunday.

Caridad has allowed one run over two minor league rehab appearances with Triple-A Iowa this week. The 26-year-old right-hander was excellent before he went down with a forearm strain, posting a 1.40 ERA and 17/3 K/BB ratio over 19 1/3 innings, so his return will be a nice shot in the arm to a bullpen looking for some consistency.

Esmailin Caridad is expected to continue his rehab this week with Triple-A Iowa, and could rejoin the team when the head to Cincinnati next weekend.

Caridad's return would be a big boost for a bullpen that has struggled in recent games. They have the sixth worst bullpen ERA in the majors right now and have blown four saves in seven chances. Caridad may not be the magic cure, but anything that involves less Jeff Gray is a good thing.

Esmailin Caridad (forearm) is expected to throw one rehab inning in extended spring training on Saturday.

Caridad was placed on the disabled list on April 14 due to a right forearm strain. He's still about a week and a half away from returning.

Cubs placed RHP Esmailin Caridad on the 15-day disabled list with a right forearm strain.

The good news is that it's not believed to be a serious injury. Caridad has struggled out of the gate, most notably allowing a go-ahead grand slam to Drew Stubbs last Friday night. As a result, he has a 13.50 ERA and 3/3 K/BB ratio in 2 2/3 innings pitched.