The San Diego Padres have set a Dec. 1 deadline in pitcher Colin Rea's recovery from a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament, according to MLB.com's AJ Cassavell.

If Rea isn't fully healthy by that date, Cassavell reports, the Padres might consider having the right-hander undergo Tommy John surgery. For now, Rea's bullpen sessions have been smooth, and San Diego is hopeful that he can avoid the procedure, which would sideline him for at least a year.

Should Rea recover to full strength before the end of the Arizona Fall League on Nov. 19, Cassavell notes that the Padres would have him pitch in a few games there. Otherwise, San Diego is mulling whether to have Rea pitch a series of live batting practice sessions or send him to winter ball.

The Padres traded Rea to the Miami Marlins at the deadline this past summer, only to see the deal nixed amid controversy after the starter injured his elbow during his first game in South Beach.

Rea finished 2016 with 80 strikeouts, 44 walks and a 4.82 ERA in 102 2/3 innings.

-- Nick Ostiller