Cubs released RHP Andy Sonnanstine.

Sonnanstine refused an outright assignment to Triple-A Iowa and was granted his freedom. It doesn't appear to be in the hurler's best interest, as there are few organizations with an easier path to major league inning as the Cubs at this point. Sonnanstine gave up eight runs on 13 hits over five innings this spring. He'll receive a minor league pact elsewhere, but has no chance at a big league job out of the gate.

Cubs sent RHP Andy Sonnanstine outright to Triple-A Iowa.

The move clears him from the 40-man roster. Sonnanstine has given up eight runs on 13 hits over five innings this spring and will function as rotation depth in the minors.

Andy Sonnanstine allowed five runs in two innings of relief against the White Sox on Sunday.

He was officially credited with a blown save. Sonnanstine signed a non-guarnteed contract with the Cubs this offseason and will have to improve on his numbers if he plans to make their Opening Day roster.

Cubs signed RHP Andy Sonnanstine.

Terms aren't yet known, but he signed a split contract. Sonnanstine, 28, was non-tendered by the Rays in December after posting an ugly 5.55 ERA and 12/12 K/BB ratio over 35 2/3 innings at the major-league level this past season. The soft-tossing right-hander will serve as insurance for the bullpen and starting rotation.

Rays non-tendered RHP Andy Sonnanstine.

Sonnanstine was arbitration-eligible for the second time this winter. The 28-year-old right-hander earned $912,500 in 2011 while posting an ugly 5.55 ERA and 12/12 K/BB ratio over 35 2/3 innings at the major-league level. Some team may give him a chance to start again, but he'll likely have to settle for a minor league deal this offseason.

Rays recalled RHP Andy Sonnanstine from Triple-A Durham.

Sonnanstine has posted a 5.71 ERA over a34 2/3 innings for the Rays this season. He'll be used in long relief.

The Rays will recall Andy Sonnanstine from Triple-A Durham Friday.

He'll provide the team with a long relief option. Sonnanstine has posted a 5.71 ERA over a34 2/3 innings for the Rays this season.

Rays optioned RHP Andy Sonnanstine to Triple-A Durham.

Sonnanstine has allowed 22 earned runs in just 34 2/3 innings this season for a 5.71 ERA. The right-hander should be back up at some point later this summer.

Andy Sonnanstine was pounded for seven runs in five innings by the Mariners on Friday.

Jeff Niemann is still a couple of weeks away, but we'd be surprised if the Rays gave Sonnanstine another start anytime soon. With more homers allowed than strikeouts (10 to 9) through 31 2/3 innings, his roster spot should be in serious jeopardy.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said that "as of right now" Andy Sonnanstine will get the call to start Friday against the Marlins.

Sonnanstine wasn't great Sunday against the Orioles, allowing four runs on eight hits over five innings, but he at least kept the Rays in the game. While he'll likely get another chance, he can be avoided in most fantasy formats.

Andy Sonnanstine allowed four runs on eight hits in five innings on Sunday, taking the loss in Tampa's 9-3 setback against the Orioles.

He struck out two while walking none. Not a horrible day for Jeff Nieman's fill-in, but certainly not one that is going to change his status as a fantasy no-go.

Andy Sonnanstine is likely to start Sunday's series finale against the Angels.

The Rays will need an extra starter because of Thursday's doubleheader against the Twins. Sonnanstine has a 2.70 ERA over 6 2/3 innings this season, but hasn't made an appearance since April 10.

Andy Sonnanstine yielded three runs on four hits and four walks over 4 1/3 innings against the Red Sox Friday.

He struck out four but also hit a batter in what was an ugly outing. He was facing a split-squad Red Sox lineup but one that featured Jacoby Ellsbury, Carl Crawford and J.D. Drew at the top of the order. Sonnanstine will be the Rays' long man out of the bullpen this season.

Andy Sonnanstine pitched four scoreless innings Thursday in the Rays' 8-6 defeat of the Red Sox.

Facing a lineup that included three likely regulars, he cut his ERA in half from 20.25 to 10.13. Sonnanstine could use a couple of additional performances like this to secure his roster spot. He still hasn't really been challenged by a tough lineup.

Facing a lineup featuring just two regulars, Andy Sonnanstine gave up four runs -- three earned -- on two innings Saturday against the Twins.

The Twins brought Jason Kubel, Danny Valencia and a cast of backups with them for the game, but Sonnanstine got roughed up once again. He has a 20.25 ERA after two spring starts. Although he's on a major league deal, he's not going to be a lock to make the Rays if he struggles all spring.

Rays and RHP Andy Sonnanstine avoided arbitration Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $912,500 contract.

Sonnanstine was eligible for arbitration for the first time and was awarded with a nearly $400,000 raise. That's not a bad haul for a guy who posted a pedestrian 4.44 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 81 innings in 2010. He will serve as a long reliever and emergency starter in 2011 for the Rays.

Andy Sonnanstine limited the Royals to two earned runs in a short 2 1/3-inning start as part of Saturday's 4-0 win.

Sonnanstine let up five hits but did well in damage control. He's posted a 4.44 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 50/27 K/BB ratio in 81 innings this season and will serve as a long reliever on the Rays' playoff run.

Andy Sonnanstine will start Saturday's game against the Royals.

Sonnanstine ultimately got the call over Jeremy Hellickson. Rays manager Joe Maddon had discussed starting David Price, however he is now expected to pitch two innings out of the bullpen.

Andy Sonnanstine was called up from the minors on Monday September 6.

Rays optioned RHP Andy Sonnanstine to Single-A Hudson Valley.

He won't be down there for long. Because Hudson Valley's final game is September 5, Sonnanstine will be able to return sooner than 10 days. He was simply cleared off the 25-man roster in order to make room for Brad Hawpe.