What It Means:

On Thursday, Rosenthal threw another bullpen session without any issues and on Saturday, could throw a live batting practice session. It's not yet known whether after the session that activation is the next step, but it looks like the 26 year-old reliever is close to returning. Rosenthal recently admitted that he's been battling a flexor tendon issue since the beginning of the year, and it's definitely possible that it's the reason for his struggles. If healthy, Rosenthal could again be a weapon out of the bullpen. He owns a 5.13 ERA in 33 1/3 innings this season.

Rosenthal's 4.03 xFIP is more than a point lower than his ERA, but it's still a poor mark. His 28.7 strikeout percentage is above league average (21.0 percent), however. We currently project Rosenthal to record a 4.29 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP over the rest of the year (4 1/3 innings).