Colin Rea makes first start since 2016 against Brewers

It had been four years since right-hander Colin Rea had pitched in the big leagues before his first appearance for the Cubs on Aug. 5 against the Royals.

The Cubs called on Rea to start what turned out to be a 6-5 loss Saturday to the Brewers, and he did what they asked him to do in an abbreviated outing.

‘‘I’m happy,’’ Rea said after his first big-league start since July 30, 2016. ‘‘We didn’t get the result we wanted today, but I felt like we made some really good plays and were in the game throughout. So, unfortunately, we didn’t win, but it was a good game.’’

Rea allowed three runs and four hits in 3 1/3 innings.

‘‘I mean, all credit goes to him,’’ manager David Ross said. ‘‘This guy has worked his tail off and continued to get better and add confidence in himself. Never wavered. I’ve seen the same guy since spring training as far as just the mentality, the attitude and the work ethic, all those things he brings every day.’’

Rea’s role for the Cubs might continue to grow with the evolving schedule during the shortened season. If the Cubs have future postponements and doubleheaders, he might prove to be valuable as the season rolls on.

‘‘Whatever they ultimately decide, I’m good with,’’ Rea said. ‘‘I’m just happy to be here and contribute to the team any way I can. . . .

‘‘I like starting. It’s what I’ve done in the past. As little experience as I’ve had in the bullpen, it’s kind of been nice at the same time.

‘‘For me, it’s whatever they want and whatever they think is gonna be beneficial for me and the team.’’

Chatwood to start Monday

The Cubs breathed a sigh of relief after Ross announced right-hander Tyler Chatwood will start one of the games of their doubleheader Monday against the Cardinals.

Chatwood missed his scheduled start Friday against the Brewers with mid-back tightness and was replaced by right-hander Alec Mills.

Chatwood played catch in the outfield before the game Saturday while under the close watch of the Cubs’ training staff and showed no signs of pain.

Wieck has setback in rehab

Left-hander Brad Wieck’s return to the bullpen will be delayed a little longer after he suffered a setback in his recovery from a strained right hamstring that has idled him since July 25.

‘‘Brad’s had a couple of things pop up that kind of set him back a little bit longer that we’re taking a look at,’’ Ross said. ‘‘Everybody’s doing a good job of communicating that. I get reports daily on those things.’’’

Wieck threw a bullpen session Tuesday but started having some soreness in his left knee, which has led to the setback, the Cubs said.