Kyle Muller DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Chunichi Dragons have signed free agent pitcher Kyle Muller. The 27-year-old played the last two seasons for the Athletics after the first two seasons of his career were for the Braves. The southpaw saw more success as a reliever than as a starter during his time in the majors, posting a 4.68 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, and a 10.1% K-BB% in 67 1/3 IP relief innings compared to a 6.67 ERA, 1.69 WHIP, and a 7.0% K-BB% over 108 IP as a starter. The former second-round draft pick will join former Mariner infielder Jason Vosler who also recently signed with the Dragons. Erick Fedde showed last season that pitchers can retool abroad and have success upon their return to the majors, so we'll see if that can be the case for Muller as well.

Oakland Athletics left-hander Kyle Muller (shoulder) made his second minor-league rehab appearance with Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday, going 1 1/3 innings. Manager Mark Kotsay was pleased with Muller's outing and said the lefty will go again for the Aviators on Tuesday, July 2, and stretch out to two-plus innings. Muller gave up an earned run on two hits while walking two and striking out one on Friday as he works his way back from left-shoulder tendonitis. If the 26-year-old southpaw comes out of his next rehab outing OK on Tuesday, he could be reinstated from the injured list and rejoin Oakland's bullpen. Muller came up as a starter in the Atlanta Braves organization and started 13 of his 21 appearances for the A's in 2023, but all 13 of his outings in the big leagues for Oakland in 2024 before his shoulder injury came in relief.

Oakland Athletics left-hander Kyle Muller (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Sunday, June 23. If all goes well during that 30-pitch session, Muller is expected to join Triple-A Las Vegas for the start of a minor-league rehab assignment the week of June 24. The 26-year-old southpaw began his throwing program all the way back on June 6 and is nearing game action as he attempts to return from the injured list and rejoin Oakland's bullpen around the end of this month. Thirteen of his 21 appearances last year came in a starting role, but all 13 of his outings this year before his injury came in relief. In his 33 2/3 innings, Muller allowed 16 runs (13 earned) and 33 hits (five homers) while walking seven and striking out 24. His well below-average career 17.8% strikeout rate makes him pretty useless in fantasy as a reliever.