Plutko was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Plutko was called up earlier this week to provide bullpen depth, but heads back to the minors without appearing in a game. The righty will resume his starting spot in Columbus, where he owns a an unattractive 6.33 ERA over 18 starts this season. Abraham Almonte was recalled in a corresponding move.

Plutko was recalled from Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

He'll enter the bullpen in place of Andrew Miller (knee), who was placed on the 10-day disabled list in a corresponding move. It's expected that Bryan Shaw and Joe Smith will assume most of Miller's usual duties as the team's stoppers in high-leverage situations, with Plutko relegated to mop-up duty in less competitive scenarios. Plutko carried a 6.71 ERA and 1.54 WHIP over 106 innings with Columbus on the season.

Plutko was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Friday to make room for Cody Allen, who is returning from paternity leave.

EDGE Analysis

Plutko returns to the minors after an uneventful stay in which he never made an appearance for the Indians and was only on the roster as a last resort. The right-hander has a 6.24 ERA and 1.54 WHIP through 12 starts at Triple-A this season, numbers he will need to improve upon if he wants to receive a more permanent call-up down the road.

Plutko was recalled from Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Plutko has been fairly inconsistent as a starter for the Clippers, producing a 6.24 ERA in 12 starts, although he'll head to the big leagues to provide a fresh arm while Michael Brantley (personal) is on the paternity list. He'll likely act in long relief, although his stay could be brief given that Brantley is expected to be back within the next few days.

Plutko (2-6) has struggled this year with his consistency, but seems to be finding his groove after picking up wins in two of his last three starts at Triple-A Columbus, Indians Insider reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander owns an unsightly 6.19 ERA and 1.56 WHIP through nine starts (48 innings), but to his credit, both numbers have been shrinking over his last six outings. After an awful first three starts, Plutko ran off four consecutive quality outings while building up his pitch count, averaging 95 deliveries per game during that stretch. "He's thrown the ball well in several of his starts as of late," Clippers' manager Chris Tremie said. "In Spring Training, he didn't really get stretched out, not really getting that starter rhythm until early in April and then now he's starting to get in that routine and he's throwing the ball well."

Plutko is off to a rough start this season with Triple-A Columbus, going 0-3 with a 9.35 ERA and 2.02 WHIP through four starts.

EDGE Analysis

The flame-throwing righty can't find success at MiLB's highest level. He was promoted to Triple-A in 2016 after posting strong marks for Double-A Akron, but Plutko's numbers fell off upon his arrival in Columbus. The 25-year-old was projected to make a few spot starts this season for the Indians, but that option will will be put on hold until his performance improves.

Pluko is slated to begin the season in Triple-A Columbus, but will be one of the top option for a promotion when the need for a starting pitcher arises, SB Nation reports.

EDGE Analysis

Plutko was drafted in the 11th round of the 2013 draft after leading the UCLA Bruins to the National Championship that year. He's blown through the Tribe's minor league system thanks to his excellent command of four pitches, including a fastball that tops out in the mid-90s. Plutko began 2016 at Double-A Akron where he performed admirably, earning a promotion to Columbus after 13 starts thanks in part to a solid 3.27 ERA and a 3.01 FIP. In his first taste of Triple-A, Plutko was solid, though unspectacular, averaging six innings per start and finishing with an ERA of 4.10 and a 3.97 FIP. The righty is worthy of attention in dynasty formats.

Plutko is no longer scheduled to start Friday against the Royals, Zack Meisel of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ryan Merritt will move back to Friday after Thursday's game was postponed due to poor field conditions, and Merritt will be followed by Trevor Bauer and Josh Tomlin in the final two games of the regular season. That leaves Plutko to presumably work out of the bullpen, although he could get the nod Monday if a make-up game is necessary.

Plutko has been named Friday's starter against the Royals, the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Zack Meisel reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 24-year-old rookie is a pretty standard organizational depth piece. He's not good enough to ever be a big part of the rotation plans, but he's serviceable enough to step in and make a spot start when necessary. Given the injuries in the rotation, the Indians are going with bullpen games Wednesday and Thursday with Plutko starting Friday before they set their rotation for the postseason. Plutko had a 4.10 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with 67 strikeouts in 90 innings at Triple-A this year and serves as a low-end streaming option Friday.

The Indians recalled Plutko from Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Plutko will join the Indians' roster for the first time and provide the team another arm for the stretch run. It seems likely he will work out of the bullpen, but he has worked exclusively as a starter in the minors, so he will at least have a shot at his first big league start before the regular season comes to an end.