Britton cleared waivers Friday and was assigned to Triple-A Iowa, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports. Britton was placed on waivers earlier in the week, but went unclaimed and will now begin the season at Triple-A. He is no longer a member of the 40-man roster, however, so he's further distanced from a spot in the majors.

Britton pitched a scoreless inning Saturday and is in contention for one of the remaining spots in the bullpen, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports. The Cubs are expected to have seven pitchers in their bullpen, and with Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop, Neil Ramirez, Jason Motte, and either Travis Wood or Edwin Jackson already locked in, there are probably only two spots up for grabs. The left-handed Britton, who has walked four and struck out four in 7.1 innings this spring, is probably behind Phil Coke and Zac Rosscup for the top lefty in the pen.

Britton could make the Cubs' pen as a situational lefty, the team's official site reports.Britton struggled with Triple-A Pawtucket in 2014, finishing with a 5.86 ERA and 37:38 K:BB ratio in 58.1 innings, but there aren't a lot of good relief lefties on the 40-man roster, so he may have to only beat out the likes of Felix Doubront, Zac Rosscup, Eric Jokisch, and Joe Ortiz to win the job.

Britton was claimed off waivers by the Cubs on Wednesday from the Red Sox. Britton has had two successful stints in the majors over the past two seasons, posting a combined 2.93 ERA over 25 appearances. The 25-year-old hasn't had good results in the minors though, spending the majority of 2014 in Triple-A, posting a 5.86 ERA and more walks than strikeouts in 45 appearances.

Britton was designated for assignment by the Red Sox on Friday, Tim Britton of the Providence Journal reports. Britton turned in seven scoreless appearances with the Red Sox last season, but his numbers in 45 appearances with Triple-A Pawtucket were far less impressive (5.86 ERA, 1.97 WHIP). Another team may be inclined to give the 25-year-old lefty a look in a specialist role, but if not, Britton will likely head back to Pawtucket to begin the 2015 campaign.

Britton threw a scoreless third of an inning in Tuesday night's loss to the Pirates. Opponents are now 1-for-13 against him this year. Britton's career nearly came off the rails at Triple-A Pawtucket this season, recording a 5.86 ERA and 1.979 WHIP in 58.1 innings. His success in a short sample size this year will likely put him in the mix as a left-handed option out of the bullpen. With Andrew Miller traded and Craig Breslow unlikely to return, there's a 2015 opening for Britton.

Britton was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports. Considering Britton's 5.86 ERA and 1.97 WHIP in 45 appearances with Pawtucket this season, it seem safe to assume he will be used exclusively in mop-up duty over the remainder of the season. The 25-year-old struggled mightily against opposing lefties (7.50 ERA, .276 BAA), so his chances of earning a specialist role out of spring training next season appear minimal.

Red Sox optioned LHP Drake Britton to Triple-A Pawtucket. Britton was the 26th man for Thursday's doubleheader but didn't make an appearance. He returns to a 1.29 ERA over 10 Triple-A appearances.

Red Sox recalled LHP Drake Britton from Triple-A Pawtucket. He'll serve as the 26th man for Thursday's doubleheader against the Rays. Chris Capuano and Andrew Miller both pitched in the first game, so Britton could get the call depending on the situation.

Red Sox optioned LHP Drake Britton to Triple-A Pawtucket. Britton had a shot to earn a major league job this spring but posted a 6.52 ERA and 1.55 WHIP over 9 2/3 innings of work. The 24-year-old will be among the first pitchers recalled if the Sox need pitching help this summer.