Julian Merryweather

Cubs reliever Julian Merryweather has been diagnosed with a rib fracture in his back and will be shut down for four weeks.

Fantasy Impact

Merryweather was originally placed on the 15-day injured list with a shoulder strain on Monday but further tests revealed the rib fracture. The oft-injured right-hander was finally healthy in 2023, posting a 3.38 ERA in 69 outings and had allowed just one earned run in 4 2/3 innings to begin the 2024 campaign.

The Chicago Cubs have claimed reliever Julian Merryweather off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays.

Fantasy Impact

The Cubs designated right-hander Manny Rodriguez for assignment in a corresponding move. Merryweather showed immense promise early in the 2021 season as the Blue Jays' closer, but injuries have limited him to just 52 2/3 innings across parts of three big-league seasons. Merryweather has worked to a 5.64 ERA/4.36 FIP in that time along with a 13.4% K-BB%. He'll look to use his high-velocity fastball to lock down a role with the Cubs' bullpen in 2023.

Julian Merryweather started a rehab assignment with the FCL Blue Jays, throwing one inning, no hits, no runs, and striking out two batters.

Fantasy Impact

Merryweather has been out of action since mid-June with a left abdominal strain. Prior to the injury, he had a 6.38 ERA, .311 OBA, and a 8.35 K/9 ratio in 20 relief outings. While the 30-year-old returning to the Blue Jays would provide them with some depth options, he should not be on fantasy rosters.

Toronto Blue Jays RP Julian Merryweather was removed early from Monday's game against the Orioles due to left side discomfort.

Fantasy Impact

Merryweather has not yet been evaluated further to see what the issue may be or what sort of time he may miss, but it is safe to assume he will at a minimum not be available for Tuesday night's game against the Orioles. The Jay's reliever should not be rostered in fantasy at the moment anyway but what the injury may cause is a extra load on what is already a somewhat weak bullpen, outside of closer Jordan Romano of course.

Julian Merryweather allowed a hit and a walk in a scoreless inning versus Tampa Bay on Wednesday. He did not factor in the decision.

Fantasy Impact

This was Merryweather's first time as an opener this season as he has been used in various roles. The 29-year-old reliever has a 4.32 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 7:4 K:BB to go along with two saves and a hold.