Julian Merryweather's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Julian Merryweather (shoulder) has been activated off the 60-day injured list on Monday. The right-hander has missed 3 1/2 months of action due to a shoulder strain. When healthy, Merryweather has been a viable option for Chicago. Last season, Merryweather posted a 3.38 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and nearly 100 strikeouts over 69 games. Given the Cubs struggles at closer right now, Merryweather could be a late game option for them. Fantasy managers should keep him on their watch list for now. In a corresponding move, right-hander Hunter Bigge has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Chicago Cubs right-hander Adbert Alzolay (forearm) has been cleared to start a minor-league rehab assignment in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League on Friday. Meanwhile, right-hander Julian Merryweather (rib) is planning to make his fourth minor-league rehab appearance on Friday for Triple-A Iowa. If all goes well, manager Craig Counsell said that Merryweather will be activated from the injured list by next weekend "at the latest." Alzolay obviously won't be back as soon as Merryweather, but he's making progress after suffering a right flexor strain in mid-May. Both relievers should return to high-leverage, late-inning bullpen roles in Chicago when they are activated, with Alzolay potentially taking over closing duties from Hector Neris.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Julian Merryweather (shoulder) is scheduled to make another rehab appearance at Triple-A Iowa on Friday. The right-hander has been sidelined for most of the season due to a lingering shoulder issue. The organization is hopeful that Merryweather can rejoin the bullpen after the All-Star break. Merryweather was a viable option out of the pen for the Cubs last season. He could be in the mix for saves with the closer situation a mess in Chicago right now.