Merritt allowed three runs (two earned) over four innings against the Twins in Saturday's win. He allowed seven hits and notched a pair of strikeouts in his spot start and was optioned after the game.
The Indians provided Merritt plenty of run support, staking him to a three-run lead before he even took the mound. Merritt was serviceable as a spot starter, but it was clear even before he was recalled Saturday that he wouldn't stick in the rotation beyond this outing. He'll head back to Triple-A Columbus as a starter and figures to stay there for the foreseeable future barring a rash of injuries to the Indians' rotation.