Villarreal picked up the loss in relief Sunday against the Indians, allowing the fourth bases-loaded walk of the game by the Reds in the course of allowing two runs, also giving up four hits.

Villarreal has really struggled with the big league club, posting a 5.2w3 ERA and a 1.89 WHIP.

Villarreal was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Monday.

Villarreal has bounced between Triple-A and the majors, thriving in the former and struggling in the latter. He'll hope to improve upon his numbers this season while with the Reds, where in three appearances, he's given up four runs in 4.2 innings.

Villarreal was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday.

The Reds needed to add some infield help with Zack Cozart (knee) out for the year and Brandon Phillips nursing a minor injury. Villarreal was the roster casualty, and it's hardly surprising considering his struggles in three appearances at the major league level this season (four runs in 4.2 innings, 1:2 K:BB).

Villarreal was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Friday.

Villarreal will replace Jason Marquis in the bullpen after the veteran was DFA'd on Friday. In his brief stints with the Reds earlier in the season, Villarreal struggled, allowing three runs in just under three innings of work. He's been much better with Louisville (3.68 ERA, 1.05 WHIP), but chances are he will continue to be limited to low-leverage situations in the majors.

Villareal was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday.

The Reds need room on the 25-man roster for Ryan Mattheus, who was claimed off waivers from the Angels earlier Thursday. Villareal has given up three runs over just 2.2 innings this season, and he owns a 4.26 ERA over 12.2 innings for Triple-A Louisville.

Villarreal was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Monday.

Villarreal pitched 12.2 innings with Triple-A Louisville, carrying an ERA of 4.26. He should provide bullpen depth, but offers limited fantasy value in the near future.

Villarreal will be recalled to serve as the 26th man for Saturday's doubleheader against the White Sox, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Villarreal will provide the Reds with some bullpen depth in Game 2, but as the designated 26th man, he'll have to head right back down prior to Sunday's game. The right-hander has given up six runs on 12 hits with a 9:2 K:BB in 12.2 innings with Triple-A Louisville this season.

Villarreal has been optioned to Triple-A Louisville.

The Reds needed to make space on the roster for the return of Homer Bailey for Saturday's start against St. Louis, and Villarreal was simply the odd-man out right now.

Villarreal was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday.

Cincinnati went ahead and swapped out Josh Smith with Villarreal, who struck out two in two scoreless frames in his 2015 debut with Louisville on Saturday. In front of closer Aroldis Chapman, the Reds' late-inning situation is a disaster right now, but Villarreal figures to work exclusively in the middle innings for the time being after posting a 4.30 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 12 appearances with the big club last season.

Villarreal was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Monday.

The Reds' bullpen is slowly starting to come into focus and Villarreal will not be a part of it to start the season. Last year he had a 4.30 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 14.2 relief innings for the Reds, so if he does make it back up to the big leagues it will likely be in a low-leverage role.

Villarreal took the loss Monday, allowing an Anthony Rizzo homer in the ninth inning.

It was the first home run allowed by Villarreal this season. Villarreal has been up and down this season for the Reds, allowing five runs in 10.1 innings of work. The righty should bounce back the next time his number is called out of the bullpen.

Villarreal (forearm) tossed a perfect eighth inning in Friday's loss to the Brewers.

The right-hander was hit in the forearm by a comebacker earlier this week, but he showed no ill effects Friday, retiring the side in order on just seven pitches. Villarreal spent most of the year at Triple-A Louisville, posting a strong 3.20 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 50:13 K:BB over 56.1 innings, but it looks like Sam LeCure will be tasked with primary setup duties with Jonathan Broxton now with Milwaukee.

Villareal is day-to-day after being hit in the forearm by a comebacker Monday, the Associated Press reports.

Presumably, Villareal will be able to return at some point during the Reds' weekend series, but he he hasn't appeared in a game since Monday as a result of the ailment.

The Reds recalled Villarreal from Triple-A Louisville on Thursday, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports.

Villarreal earned a trip to Cincinnati by posting a 3.20 ERA and 50:13 K:BB ratio in 56.1 innings over 42 appearances with Louisville this season. Expect him to work in middle-to-long relief with the big club.

Reds sent RHP Pedro Villarreal outright to Triple-A Louisville.

Villarreal was first designated for assignment and then outrighted to the minors after clearing waivers. The 25-year-old right-hander registered a 4.43 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 109 2/3 innings this summer in the minors.

Reds optioned RHP Pedro Villareal to Triple-A Louisville.

He was sent down to make room for Jonathan Broxton's return from the disabled list. Villareal made just one appearance during his brief time with the big club.

Reds recalled RHP Pedro Villarreal from Triple-A Louisville.

Villarreal has a 5.08 ERA over 15 starts at the Triple-A level, but will serve as bullpen depth. The Reds optioned right-hander Curtis Partch in a corresponding move.

Reds optioned RHP Pedro Villarreal to Triple-A Louisville.

He didn't make an appearance in his lone day with the club. Villarreal will return to Louisville's rotation.

Reds recalled RHP Pedro Villarreal from Triple-A Louisville.

Villarreal made a spot start for the Reds earlier this season, but will provide bullpen depth. He has a 5.12 ERA over 65 innings at the Triple-A level.

Reds optioned RHP Pedro Villarreal to Triple-A Louisville.

Villarreal made a spot start for the Reds on Wednesday and was rocked for six runs over 3 2/3 innings. He's no safe bet to make back to the majors this season.