Rea had his contract selected from Triple-A Nashville on Thursday.
Rea will make a spot start for the Brewers in Thursday night's series opener in San Diego. The 32-year-old had not allowed an earned run through seven innings of long relief this season at the Triple-A level but is a high-risk fantasy option versus the Padres. He's up in the majors for the first time since a one-appearance stint in 2021.