Otero (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Short-Season Mahoning Valley on Monday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Otero has been on the shelf since June 2 due to right shoulder inflammation, but it's a good sign that he's ready to go out on a rehab stint. He's been out of commission for over a month, so it wouldn't be surprising if he needed at least a few appearances in the minors to get back up to speed.

The Indians placed Otero on the 10-day injured list Sunday with right shoulder inflammation, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Otero will head to the IL for the first time in his eight-year big-league career after apparently succumbing to the shoulder issue during his most recent appearance Thursday against the White Sox, who lit him up for four runs in 1.2 innings. The Tribe recalled Josh Smith from Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move to provide the big club with an extra long-relief arm.

Otero signed a two-year extension with the Indians on Tuesday which includes a team option for 2020, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The two sides struck a deal last week on a deal for 2018, but they reworked things Tuesday, covering Otero's remaining two arb years and possibly a year of free agency. While Otero averaged just 5.7 K/9 last season and struggled against lefties (.364 wOBA), he did a good job of keeping the ball on the ground (63.5 percent) and limiting free passes to right-handers. The 32-year-old will work primarily in the middle innings again next season.

Otero agreed to a one-year deal with the Indians on Friday, to avoid arbitration.

EDGE Analysis

Otero appeared in 52 games out of the bullpen for the Indians in 2017, posting a 2.85 ERA and 1.20 WHIP over the course of 60 innings. He will slot back into the middle of Cleveland's reliable bullpen, and should be in line for another 60-70 innings of work this upcoming year.

Otero was activated from the paternity list prior to Friday's doubleheader against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

He was away from the team for a couple days, but will be available out of the bullpen for the twin bill. Otero notched a 0.87 ERA, 0.58 WHIP and eight strikeouts in 10.1 innings in August.

Otero was placed on the paternity list Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Otero will be away from the team up to three days, meaning he could miss as many as four contests with the Indians playing doubleheaders Wednesday and Friday. In order to cover for Otero's absence, the Indians recalled Shawn Armstrong from Triple-A Columbus to serve as the 26th man for Wednesday's twin bill.

Otero will be placed on the paternity list prior to Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Otero will be replaced on the roster by Ryan Merritt, who is expected to start Game 2. After posting a shiny 1.53 ERA and 0.91 WHIP through 70.2 innings last season, Otero has turned in a less impressive 3.02 ERA and 1.24 WHIP through 50.2 innings this season. He should return to a middle relief role upon his activation.

Otero's .353 BAA and 1.68 WHIP since the All-Star break are both worst among all Indians' pitchers with at least five appearances since the Midsummer Classic.

EDGE Analysis

Otero managed a .271 BAA and 1.31 WHIP during the campaign's first half, a time in which he was being used on a fairly regular basis. Since the break, Otero has given up 17 hits and three walks over 11.2 innings while watching his strikeout rate decline. As a result, the 32-year-old right-hander is being phased out of middle-relief opportunities as the postseason race heats up.

Otero is an option to start Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Tigers, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Otero is tentatively in line to make the start, but that could change if he is used out of the bullpen either Friday night or during Game 1 of the doubleheader. If he is used in relief before Game 2, southpaw Ryan Merritt would step in to start for him. Otero has a 3.68 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 31 innings of relief this year. He hasn't pitched more than two innings in any outing this season, so he'd likely be on a pitch count, with manager Terry Francona leaning on the bullpen to finish out the contest.

Otero (1-0) pitched 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing one hit with one strikeout in Sunday's win over Kansas City.

EDGE Analysis

Otero was the first pitcher out of the Cleveland bullpen after a long rain delay forced Trevor Bauer out of the game. He was incredibly efficient, needing just 16 pitches to get through 2.1 innings and earn his first win of the season. Otero is a middle relief guy, so if you had him in your lineup, enjoy the bonus victory.