The Cardinals will decline Middleton's (forearm) $6 million club option for 2025, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

He will be paid a $1 million buyout. Middleton was limited to just five rehab appearances in 2024 due to a right flexor tendon injury which eventually required surgery. The reliever is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day.

The Cardinals transferred Middleton (forearm) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton underwent season-ending surgery June 11 to repair the flexor tendon in his right forearm, so his move to the 60-day IL comes as little surprise. He will give up his 40-man roster spot for Nick Raposo, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

Middleton (forearm) will undergo surgery next week to repair his right flexor tendon and will miss the rest of the season, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

The timing of Middleton's surgery will allow him to return at some point during the 2025 campaign. He signed a one-year deal with St. Louis in February with a $6 million club option for 2025, though the Cardinals' decision on whether or not to bring him back will likely depend on how much of the next season he's expected to miss.

Middleton (forearm) will get a second opinion from a specialist Monday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton underwent an MRI on Friday after being checked out by team doctors and it appears he may be dealing with a significant injury to his throwing arm. Season-ending surgery has yet to be ruled out, though even if he avoids surgery, Middleton could have to start over after being close to returning from the 15-day IL just days before reporting the injury. Regardless, there should be more clarity regarding Middleton's status in the coming days.

Middleton (forearm) will undergo an MRI on Friday and could require season-ending surgery on his pitching arm, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton was evaluated by team doctors Tuesday, and the organization seems to have concern that he's dealing with a significant arm injury. If he does ultimately require surgery, his season would end before it began, as Middleton has been shelved since spring training with what's been termed a right forearm strain. The reliever signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Cardinals back in February.

Middleton (forearm) is getting imaging done and will be checked out by team doctors Tuesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton reported soreness after making back-to-back rehab appearances at Double-A Springfield and will get evaluated by the team. He's been sidelined since March with a strained right forearm and was close to being activated from the 15-day IL before suffering the setback.

Middleton (forearm) reported soreness Friday after pitching in back-to-back games at Double-A Springfield, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton gave up a solo home run and three walks while striking out two batters over his last two outings. He will travel to St. Louis on Friday to be re-evaluated by the team, at which point the two parties will plan out the reliever's next steps. The 30-year-old righty has been on the injured list since the beginning of the season thanks to a strained right forearm.

Middleton (forearm) will be evaluated for potential activation from the injured list following back-to-back rehab appearances with Double-A Springfield on Wednesday and Thursday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton hasn't allowed a hit or a run in two scoreless rehab innings so far, although he's also walked three and has not recorded a strikeout. He's been out all season with a right forearm strain.

Middleton (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield on Tuesday, Daniel Guerrero of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton is finally ready to test things out in a game setting after being diagnosed with a right forearm strain back in mid-March. Because he's missed so much time, Middleton figures to require a fairly lengthy rehab assignment before joining the Cardinals' bullpen.

Middleton (forearm) through off the mound again Friday and is set for a rehab assignment next week, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton is on the cusp of a rehab assignment according to manager Oli Marmol, who explained that the reliever will report to either Double-A Springfield or Triple-A Memphis for his assignment this upcoming week. The right-hander is eligible to return from the 15-day injured list May 17 and he appears to be on track to return from his forearm injury on or close to that date.