Julian Merryweather DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy 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 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.

Chicago Cubs right-hander Julian Merryweather (ribs) threw live batting practice on Tuesday at Wrigley Field before the contest against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies. It was the first time that Merryweather has faced live hitters after previously throwing two bullpen sessions as he recovers from a rib fracture. The 32-year-old right-handed reliever has already been ruled out to return before the All-Star break in mid-July, but he should return to a high-leverage role in the back of Chicago's bullpen early in the second half, barring a setback during his rehab. Merryweather went on the injured list way back on April 7. In just 4 2/3 innings before suffering his rib fracture, he gave up an earned run on four hits while walking two and fanning six.