SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Colin Rea headed back to the San Diego Padres on Monday after leaving with an injury in his first start since being traded to Miami.
The Marlins acquired the right-hander on Friday in a seven-player deal with the Padres, but he had to leave Saturday's game against St. Louis after 3 1/3 scoreless innings and was put on the 15-day disabled list with a right elbow sprain.
San Diego announced it reacquired Rea from Miami and sent minor league pitcher Luis Castillo back to the Marlins. Castillo had gone from Miami to San Diego in Friday's deal.
Marlins president of baseball operations Mike Hill said before Monday's game at the Chicago Cubs that they exchanged medical records before the trade. Rea was shut down at the end of last season with what was called minor elbow and forearm soreness.
"When we made the trade there was no concerns," Hill said.
He added the Marlins didn't complain to the league office after Rea was injured.
Rea, 5-5 with a 4.82 ERA in 19 games, was in Miami to get an MRI on Monday. But Hill said the deal was completed before the results were released.
"It was something we worked out between the clubs," Hill said. "We felt like it was in the best interests to return the player and try to put it behind us and move forward."
Miami acquired Rea and right-hander Andrew Cashner on Friday as part of a push for a postseason spot, but Rea is of little use to the Marlins if he's hurt.
His departure leaves an opening in Miami's rotation. Manager Don Mattingly said right-hander David Phelps was a possibility.
The odd trade Monday was the only deal for Miami, which was also seeking bullpen help.
"As we sit here today, the first time since 1997 our club is nine games over and firmly in the wild card hunt," Hill said, "and we're looking forward to a productive next 60 games."
