What It Means:

Davis hasn't pitched for the Royals since July 27 because of a right flexor strain, but after making three scoreless appearances during a rehab stint, he proved he was ready to return. It's not yet known when or if Davis will take back his closer job, since Kelvin Herrera has posted a 2.35 ERA since Davis has been sidelined. At the very least, it's likely that Davis will be eased back into the role.

Davis owns a sparkling 1.60 ERA in 33 2/3 innings this season, but his 4.21 xFIP is significantly higher. Despite posting a strikeout percentage (23.7) in 2016 that is down from totals in the 30's the past two seasons, it's still above league average (21.0 percent).