MLB Player News

Kelly has a 1.07 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with 24 strikeouts over 33.2 innings this season.

The former starter hasn't allowed a run since April 30, a stretch of 20.1 innings in which he has given up only 13 hits. Kelly has 10 holds for the season, seven of which came in June as he shifted into the setup role for closer Craig Kimbrel, and should see consistent opportunities going forward in his current role.

Merritt will serve as the Indians' 26th man for Saturday's doubleheader against the Tigers.

He has a 3.68 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 66:22 K:BB in 80.2 innings at Triple-A Columbus this season. If Josh Tomlin or Carlos Carrasco gets into trouble early in their starts, Merritt, whose last start was June 24, will likely be called upon to eat some innings before heading back to Triple-A.

Johnson (shoulder) logged 2.2 innings in a rehab start for short-season Lowell on Friday. He gave up one run on two hits and two walks while striking out four.

This was his first game action since June 14. He will continue to work his way back, presumably moving his rehab to a more challenging minor-league level before returning to the majors. Doug Fister is currently occupying the fifth spot in the Red Sox rotation, and that spot should go to Eduardo Rodriguez once he returns from the DL. Johnson will merely be left serving as a depth option.

Colome allowed one run one on one hit while striking out two to earn his 21st save Friday against the Orioles.

Despite allowing a solo homer to Mark Trumbo, Colome came into the game with a three-run lead, so he easily converted the save. Although he's blown four saves while posting a 3.72 ERA, he's an extremely valuable fantasy commodity based on his ability to pile up saves.

Kimbrel tossed a perfect inning with one strikeout to notch his 23rd save Friday against the Blue Jays.

Kimbrel had one of his easier save opportunities, as he came on with a three-run lead, and he easily closed the door on the Jays in the 11th inning. In addition to his saves, his 1.01 ERA and 0.48 WHIP make him on of the very best closers in the league.

Graveman (shoulder) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Friday and emerged without any setbacks, Alex Simon of MLB.com reports.

Graveman had last thrown off a mound May 19, so Friday was an important step toward an eventual rehab assignment. Manager Bob Melvin confirmed that the right-hander felt good during the session and announced that the next step in his rehab will be determined Saturday.

McHugh (elbow) lasted just one inning and allowed four runs on seven hits, two walks and a hit-by-pitch in his first rehab appearance Friday with Double-A Corpus Christi, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

McHugh threw 42 pitches and was replaced before he could get an out in the second inning. More important than his effectiveness is how he feels after throwing so many pitches, but it isn't a good sign that he was getting lit up by Double-A hitters. McHugh hadn't pitched at all this season prior to Friday and will likely need the full 20 days allowed on his rehab assignment; as such, his return likely won't come until a week or so after the All-Star break.

Beck has returned to action for the White Sox after suffering a minor knee injury last weekend.

His 3.23 ERA and 1.17 WHIP are solid marks, but his 22:13 K:BB in 30.2 innings illustrates his lack of upside, and likely regression over the rest of the season.

Junis was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

After getting knocked around for six runs in six innings Thursday, Junis was sent back to Omaha to make room on the roster for Eric Skoglund. The 24-year-old compiled a 6.00 ERA and 26:12 K:BB in six starts (33 innings) for the Royals. With Danny Duffy (oblique) nearing a return to the rotation, Junis may not see another start with the big club for the foreseeable future.

Merritt is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Columbus to serve as the 26th man for Saturday's doubleheader against the Tigers, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

While his role hasn't been confirmed yet, it seems likely that Merritt would start the nightcap for the Indians. The 25-year-old held his own in a spot start for the big club earlier in the month, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits through four innings. Regardless of his role Saturday, he'll likely be sent back to Columbus following the doubleheader to continue developing as a starter.