So far this season, Festa has thrown 14 2/3 scoreless innings in Triple-A for the Rangers, allowing 10 hits while striking out 20 and walking seven. He will report to Triple-A Columbus, but could be an option in the Cleveland bullpen soon.

Festa returns to Texas just a few days after passing through waivers unclaimed and rejecting an outright minor-league assignment from Chicago. The 31-year-old right-hander made 18 relief appearances last year for the Rangers and figures to have a decent shot at making their season-opening roster in a low-leverage role.

Festa went unclaimed on waivers after being designated for assignment last week by the Cubs. The 31-year-old righty has the option to elect free agency and might opt to test the open market rather than accept the outright assignment. He made 19 relief appearances last year between the Mets and Rangers.

The Cubs picked Festa up from the Rangers after Texas DFA’d him earlier this month. The 31-year-old had a 5.70 ERA in 23 2/3 innings for the Mets and Rangers last season.