Merritt is currently rehabbing in Goodyear. I think I read he pitched in an intrasquad game. Might be getting close. I'd give him a shot until Bieber or someone better is ready.

If Salazar ever gets healthy I think I'd like to try him in pen for good. Losing Shaw has left a big hole.

I wish they'd ship McCallister off to wherever Tomlin goes.

Salazar would be good in pen and would help replace Cody who will be a free agent.

Allen and Andrew Miller are both unrestricted free agents at years end.

I was wondering about Merritt. Forgot about Danny.

This game is awful! Belle now pitching. Don't like this guy.

Final score, Cubs 10-us 3.

I overlooked Merritt, too. If he's not started with AAA rehab we're stuck with Tomlin for another several weeks although we can hope for rain every 5th day.

Salazar is way too unreliable to be a long-term solution in the rotation; if he ever recovers his strong arm fits in better in the pen, but he'll never be worth a multiyear contract until he learns how to stay in shape over the offseason. I still think he should hire Trevor Bauer as his personal trainer.

McAllister is looking awful; i'd been ready to DFA him a couple years ago although he was better last season.
Belisle should be gone asap. Several guys doing OK in Columbus who are worth a shot to replace him including Evan Marshall [1.17 ERA] Neil Ramirez [1.74] Jeff Beliveau [0.00 14K/1BB] and Ben Taylor [3.12, 12K/1BB]

Another terrible game at the plate for Kipnis. He qualifies for leaving 5 men on base, 3 of them RISP with 2 out. He batted in a run with a ground out. His offensive line is now 165/245/212

Shut up, you guys! I can't hear myself think!

Bottom the 6th, Tribe aheadw-1, thanks to HR by Naquin and Frankie.

Edwin takes his parrot for a walk! 3-1!

It's Miller time! Great job by Bauer. Lindo almost made a fantastic play for third out, but the runner beat it out.

Oh noes, Miller grabs his hammy! Pitching change.

I am actually hoping it's just a hammy at this point. Having had a number of different ones myself, he walked off pretty nicely - and if it's a serious hammy that does NOT happen. Been there, done pretty much them all.

Up 4-1 now, courtesy of an error.

MRI today for Miller. He says he had a hamstring while with the Orioles and missed 6 games. I'll accept that, gladly!