The Rays reassigned Merritt to their minor-league camp Saturday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Merritt pitched exclusively at Triple-A Columbus in the Indians organization in 2018, compiling a 3.79 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 52:2 K:BB in 71.1 innings. That impeccable control was reason enough for the Rays to bring Merritt aboard this winter on a minor-league deal, but he never had much hope of securing an Opening Day role with the big club. Look for him to begin the season at Triple-A Durham.

Merritt signed a minor-league contract with the Rays on Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Merritt pitched in only 15 games for Triple-A Columbus in 2018 as he dealt with a shoulder issue, and was jettisoned off the Indians' 40-man roster in July at the conclusion of his rehab assignment due to a worrying drop in velocity. The 26-year-old lefty had a 1.71 ERA and 1.14 WHIP over 31.2 innings with Cleveland between 2016-17, and does have some upside for Tampa Bay should he remain healthy and rediscover his previous form.

Merritt cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Columbus on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Merritt returned from the 60-day disabled list last week and was subsequently designated for assignment due to his continued decrease in velocity. The 26-year-old will remain with the Clippers where he has spent the last month on his minor-league rehab assignment.

Merritt (shoulder) was reinstated from the 60-day DL and designated for assignment prior to Friday's game, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Indians were forced to make a decision on Merritt's roster spot as the left-hander's rehab assignment came to an end. Manager Terry Francona said the decision was effectively made for the team due to a decrease in velocity by Merritt over the past couple weeks while in the minors. He will now be subject to the waiver wire after being designated for assignment.

Merritt (shoulder) joined Triple-A Columbus on Thursday to begin a minor-league rehab assignment.

EDGE Analysis

Merritt has been out since the end of spring training with an arm injury, which evolved into left shoulder inflammation in mid-May, causing the left-hander to put his initial rehab assignment on pause. The Indians have yet to comment on a timetable for Merritt, but it's expected that he will require a lengthy minor-league stay in order to build his arm back to speed.

Merritt (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Tuesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This move opens up a spot on the 40-man roster for Neil Ramirez, who had his contract purchased in a corresponding move. Merritt has been sidelined all season and was recently shut down from throwing due to shoulder inflammation. While a concrete timetable for his return remains unclear, he'll now be sidelined at least until the end of May.

Merritt (knee) was diagnosed Sunday with left shoulder inflammation and will be shut down from throwing for about 3-to-5 days, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Merritt opened the campaign on the 10-day disabled list after a left knee issue suffered during the offseason delayed him in spring training, but the shoulder injury now looks to be the greater concern. The lefty made just one rehab start at Triple-A Columbus on May 4 before his rehab was put on hold after he felt "sluggish" while throwing, according to Bastian. Even if Merritt receives clearance to resume throwing next week and resumes his rehab assignment soon thereafter, he'll likely need multiple outings to build up to a starter's workload. That will likely delay his activation until at least June, making him a candidate to shift to the 60-day DL if the Indians should need to open up a 40-man roster spot for another player.

Merritt (arm) will embark on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Merritt was able to compete in a few extended spring training games but this will be the first time the 26-year-old is back on the mound in a live minor-league game since experiencing a "tired arm" in late March. It seems likely that Merritt will require multiple outings with Columbus before returning to Cleveland, so don't expect to see him back in the majors until mid-May at the earliest.

Merritt (arm) is close to beginning a minor-league rehab assignment, Joe Noga of Cleveland.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Merritt has been pitching at extended spring training over the past couple of weeks while he works his way back from a "tired arm" and a sore left knee. He's set to throw once more at extended spring training, and if everything goes off without a hitch, he'll be cleared to join a minor-league affiliate for a rehab stint.

Merritt (arm) will appear in an extended spring training contest Wednesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Merritt continues to recover from a "tired arm" that has sidelined the right-hander from game action since the last week of spring training. He appears to be a few weeks away from returning to the Indians, as the left-hander will likely require a start or two in the minors on a rehab assignment.