Julian Merryweather Transferred To 60-Day IL
Julian Merryweather (oblique) was transferred to the 60-day injured list on Wednesday, according to Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun. Merryweather looked to be breaking out as one of the top closers in fantasy early on, recording two saves and a 0.00 ERA with seven strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings before landing on the injured list April 14 with a left oblique strain. It had been reported recently that Merryweather would likely be out longer than 10 days, but Wednesday's move strikes a major blow to his fantasy value. Now he won't return until mid-to-late June at the earliest. Managers with a spare IL slot can go ahead and continue to stash him until then, otherwise Merryweather can be dropped in most mixed leagues for now.
Source: Rob Longley
Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Source: Rob Longley
Adbert Alzolay Beginning Rehab Assignment, Julian Merryweather Could Return Soon
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.
Source: The Athletic - Patrick Mooney
Chicago Cubs right-hander Source: The Athletic - Patrick Mooney
Julian Merryweather To Make Rehab Outing On Friday
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.
Source: Meghan Montemurro
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Source: Meghan Montemurro
Adbert Alzolay Throws Bullpen, Julian Merryweather Makes Rehab Appearance
Adbert Alzolay (forearm) threw 30 pitches in his bullpen session on Tuesday and checked out well. Meanwhile, reliever Julian Merryweather (ribs) threw 11 pitches in an inning of work in a minor-league rehab outing with Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday night. Both pitchers are making progress but aren't going to be an option to return to Chicago's bullpen until after next week's All-Star break. Alzolay had a career-high 22 saves in 2023 but went 1-4 with a 4.67 ERA, four saves and a 1.44 WHIP in 17 1/3 innings before landing on the injured list with a flexor strain in mid-May. Merryweather made just four appearances for the Cubs before suffering a rib stress fracture. When they return, they could both be options for saves in Chicago, along with veteran Hector Neris.
Source: Watch Marquee - Taylor McGregor
Chicago Cubs right-handed reliever Source: Watch Marquee - Taylor McGregor
Julian Merryweather, Mark Leiter Jr. To Be Activated Soon
Julian Merryweather (ribs) and Mark Leiter Jr. (forearm) would be activated next week and rejoin the club. Counsell said that both Merryweather and Leiter threw live batting practice sessions on Saturday, which went well. Merryweather is scheduled to report to Single-A South Bend on Sunday to begin a minor-league rehab assignment. It is believed he will be there for the coming week to work his way back into the mix and could rejoin the team next weekend. The team expects Leiter to return this week when the Cubs head out on the road for a series with the Baltimore Orioles and St. Louis Cardinals.
Source: Sahadev Sharma on X
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced that relievers Source: Sahadev Sharma on X
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