Graham threw three scoreless innings in Friday's win over Detroit with three strikeouts to lower his ERA to 2.85. Graham was used in middle relief and helped Minnesota's improbable comeback after the Twins made up a five-run deficit in the ninth inning to win. Graham has a decent 33:12 K:BB ratio in 41 innings and a 95 mph average fastball, so he should be used in more high-leverage relief outings in the second half. He needs to reduce his home runs however, as he's given up six in 41 innings.

Graham allowed one run on six hits over four innings Saturday, striking out three. His one mistake was deposited in the seats by Ryan Braun, but otherwise Graham's spot start was a good one. He's now got a 2.96 ERA and 20:7 K:BB ratio in 24.1 innings, and the Twins' current rotation isn't exactly the mid-90s Braves when it comes to depth or quality, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Graham get a real shot at claiming a rotation job down the road.

Graham's start Saturday will be capped at about 70-75 pitches, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports. This is a true spot start, as Tommy Milone has already taken the fifth spot in the Twins rotation, but was inserted Thursday so Graham just serves to give an extra day of rest to the rest of the Twins' starters. He is a low-end option in daily leagues Saturday, in part because of his pitch limit and in part because he does not profile as a great starting pitcher.

Graham has been confirmed as the starting pitcher for Saturday's game against Milwaukee. As expected, Graham will get the call in place of Ricky Nolasco (knee), who was placed on the 15-day DL. Graham is likely to only start one game, however, as manager Paul Molitor indicated that Tommy Milone will get another chance to stick in the rotation.

Twins manager Paul Molitor said Graham will likely start Saturday's game against the Brewers, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. With Ricky Nolasco (knee) placed on the 15-day disabled list, Graham is expected to make a spot start, though his pitch count may be limited. Graham doesn't figure to stick in the rotation beyond Saturday, as Twins manager Paul Molitor said the team will give Tommy Milone another chance to start. The Twins only need Graham to make a start because they played a doubleheader against the Red Sox on Wednesday.

Graham could make a spot start Saturday if Ricky Nolasco isn't ready to make a start due to a sore ankle, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Graham looks like the leading candidate to make a nominal start on a bullpen day with the Twins short a starter. He may have started Thursday or Friday, but the Twins are set to call up Tommy Milone to start Thursday and Kyle Gibson will start Friday. If Graham makes a start, he may be limited to 60 pitches.

Graham is likely to make a spot start Thursday or Friday with Ricky Nolasco's next start pushed back due to a sore ankle, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Rather than call up a starter from Triple-A, the Twins plan to use the bullpen for a start on either Thursday or Friday. Graham would make the start, but wouldn't be expected to go more than three innings.

Graham threw a scoreless inning in Sunday's loss to Cleveland to lower his ERA to 1.54. He's thrown seven scoreless innings in his last five outings. Graham has just a 7:6 K:BB ratio in 11.2 innings, so his underlying stats haven't been as strong. The Twins are trying to work the Rule 5 pick into the mix in low leverage spots. He'll likely stay on the 25-man roster all season as the Twins like his upside, but it may take him awhile to have a more prominent role.

Rule-5 pick J.R. Graham had a strong Major League debut Monday, firing two shutout innings against the Tigers. Graham allowed two hits and walked a batter in his debut, but was able to avoid any significant damage. After posting a 2.13 ERA this spring, Graham could find some success in a middle relief role in Minnesota.

Graham has officially made Minnesota's 25-man roster, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Graham had an impressive spring with a 96 mph fastball and 2.13 ERA in 12.2 innings. However, had just a 6:7 K:BB ratio this spring and has never pitched in the majors. The Twins will need to keep the Rule 5 pick on the roster all season if they want to keep him, so he may stick in the bullpen even if he struggles initially.