Keynan Middleton's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

St. Louis Cardinals right-handed reliever Keynan Middleton (forearm) is headed for further testing on his forearm and could need UCL replacement or repair surgery on his right arm. It would be a tough blow for Middleton and the Cardinals after the free-agent signee was expected to be an integral piece of the team's bullpen this year. Middleton has yet to pitch in 2024 because of persistent pain in his arm. The 30-year-old is set to undergo an MRI exam on Friday, so we should know more then on whether he'll have to miss all of the 2024 season. He signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Cardinals in free agency back in February. If Middleton needs to go under the knife, not only would he miss all of this year, but he probably wouldn't be ready to go for the start of the 2025 season, either.

St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Keynan Middleton (forearm) will start his minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday with Double-A Springfield. Middleton has yet to pitch for the Cardinals this year after he was diagnosed with a right-forearm strain in mid-March during spring training. However, the 30-year-old reliever is getting close to making his 2024 debut out of the Cardinals' bullpen if he can get through a rehab assignment without any setbacks. Typically, relievers don't need lengthy rehab assignments, but Middleton's case could be different since he's missed so much time. When healthy, he should occupy a key late-inning setup role for the Cards in front of closer Ryan Helsley, making him appealing in fantasy leagues that count holds.

St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Keynan Middleton (forearm) threw off a mound again on Friday at Busch Stadium and will start a minor-league rehab assignment next week, according to manager Oliver Marmol. Middleton will report to either Double-A Springfield or Triple-A Memphis. The 30-year-old reliever is getting close to being able to make his 2024 debut with the Cardinals, and he should return to a key late-inning, high-leverage setup role in front of closer Ryan Helsley. Middleton is eligible to come off the 15-day injured list on May 17, a week from Friday. At the very least, Middleton could be worth a waiver-wire pickup in deep holds leagues after he posted a 3.38 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP, two saves and a career-high 64 strikeouts in 50 2/3 relief innings in 2023 with the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees.

St. Louis Cardinals right-handed reliever Keynan Middleton (forearm) threw a bullpen session off a mound on Saturday for a second straight day. He said he'll throw twice more in St. Louis next week and then head to Double-A Springfield for a minor-league rehab assignment. Middleton has been pain-free since receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection in his right arm on April 6, and it looks like the 30-year-old is getting close to making his season debut out of the Red Birds' bullpen. He had a 3.38 ERA (4.20 FIP), a 1.24 WHIP, two saves, 23 walks and a career-high 64 strikeouts in 50 2/3 relief innings last year with the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees and figures to hold a late-inning setup role for the Cardinals when he's healthy, making him an option for those in holds leagues.

St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Keynan Middleton (forearm) has been on a two days on, one day off throwing program and has been stretched out so far to 110 feet. He's not throwing off a mound yet, though. Meanwhile, Drew Rom (biceps) did some plyometric work but didn't respond well late last week and hasn't made any progress from his injury. Middleton should be cleared to throw off a mound again soon and could then move to a short minor-league rehab assignment after that if all goes well. The 30-year-old hasn't pitched since getting hurt on March 7 during spring training, but when healthy, he could have some fantasy value in leagues that count holds. He'll be one of the team's primary setup men in front of closer Ryan Helsley.