Rice was re-assigned by the Mets to their minor-league camp Saturday, Mike Vorkunov of the Star-Ledger reports.

Rice had a shot to earn a lefty bullpen role but struggled this spring. His demotion leaves Sean Gilmartin and Dario Alvarez as the only two lefty bullpen arms in camp.

Rice, attempting to make the Mets out of spring training had a rough outing Wednesday, allowing three hits and two walks while also having a throwing error on a pickoff, ESPN New York reports.

With Josh Edgin dealing with arm/elbow woes, Rice, who missed the second half of last season after needing surgery to repair a bone spur, has a shot to earn a roster spot with a strong spring. He is batting Rule 5 pick Sean Gilmartin, Jack Leathersich and Dario Alvarez, none of whom have had a particularly strong camp.

Rice was outrighted to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday but decided to be become a free agent, Adam Rubin of ESPN reports.

Rice had the option to stick with the Mets and accept his assignment, but decided instead to explore his options in free agency. He is now free to sign with whatever team he chooses.

Scott Rice will undergo season-ending elbow surgery Wednesday in New York.

Rice will have a bone spur removed and a nerve relocated, so he's looking at a four-month rehab process. The 32-year-old southpaw was used heavily by the Mets last season, but he struggled to the tune of a 5.93 ERA over 13 2/3 innings this season prior to being demoted to Triple-A last month.

Mets optioned LHP Scott Rice to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Rice was solid for the Mets last year while making 73 appearances, but he's put up an ugly 5.93 ERA while walking 12 over 13 2/3 relief innings this season. Gonzalez Germen was activated from the DL in a corresponding move.

Scott Rice returned to action on Friday May 9.

Scott Rice is unavailable to pitch Wednesday due to a back issue.

It sounds like a day-to-day injury. Rice has struggled out of the Mets' bullpen so far this season, posting a 6.14 ERA over 16 appearances.

Mets activated LHP Scott Rice from the 60-day disabled list.

Rice had season-ending surgery for a sports hernia in early September. He should be recovered by the spring.

Mets placed LHP Scott Rice on the 60-day disabled list with a sports hernia.

It's a procedural move in order to clear room on the 40-man roster. Rice will undergo season-ending surgery this week.

Scott Rice will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a sports hernia.

Mets manager Terry Collins said Rice has been pitching through the injury for several weeks already. The 31-year-old lefty has appeared in a league-leading 73 games this year, posting a 3.71 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 41/27 K/BB ratio in 51 innings. He's expected to be 100% for the start of spring training next season.

Dodgers reassigned LHP Scott Rice to minor league camp.

Rice had a 3.48 ERA and 9/3 K/BB ratio over 10 1/3 innings this spring, but the Dodgers ultimately went with Josh Lindblom for the final bullpen spot. The Dodgers also reassigned infielders Luis Cruz and Josh Fields to minor league camp.

Dodgers re-signed LHP Scott Rice to a minor league contract.

He'll also get an invite to spring training. Rice, 30, compiled a solid 1.95 ERA and 42/17 K/BB ratio over 50 2/3 innings with Double-A Chattanooga this past season. He'll likely function as organizational depth again in 2012.

Cubs signed LHP Scott Rice to a minor league contract.

Rice fared well at Double-A last season but posted an ugly 6.75 ERA, 1.89 WHIP and 15/15 K/BB ratio over 22 2/3 innings at Triple-A. Given that he's 29, that's not encouraging for his odds of cracking the opening day roster. He'll simply be an extra bullpen arm in spring training.