Clarke (knee) will begin a rehab assignment Sunday with Triple-A Nashville, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Clarke is ready for his first game action of the regular season after he suffered a meniscus injury late in spring training that ultimately required surgery. The right-hander has seemingly avoided any snags in the recovery process, prompting the Brewers to clear him for what will likely be a lengthy rehab assignment as he looks to build back up following the prolonged shutdown. The reliever is targeting a return from the 15-day injured list in late May.

Brewers general manager Matt Arnold said Wednesday that Clarke (knee) should return by late May, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Clarke had surgery in late March to repair meniscus damage in his right knee. He has yet to begin a throwing program and it's uncertain when he might be cleared to do so. Clarke is likely to be used in middle relief once he's healthy.

Clarke underwent surgery Saturday to repair the meniscus damage in his right knee, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Clarke was originally expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks as a result of his injury, but his return timeline may be significantly extended by his procedure. A return later this season isn't completely out of the question, but it will depend on how quickly the 30-year-old righty is able to recover.

The Brewers placed Clarke (knee) on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right meniscus tear.

EDGE Analysis

According to MLB.com, Clarke is expected to miss at least 6-to-8 weeks due to the injury, which he suffered during a workout in the final week of spring training. Surgery apparently isn't off the table for Clarke, which would extend his recovery timeline and potentially put him at risk of missing the season. For the time being, Clarke looks like he'll try to treat the injury with rest and rehab, so he'll pause his baseball activities for the next two weeks before likely beginning a throwing program. Before suffering the injury, Clarke had been expected to fill a middle-relief role after posting a 5.95 ERA and 1.61 WHIP over 59 innings with the Royals in 2023.

Manager Pat Murphy said Saturday that Clarke (knee) underwent imaging earlier in the week, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

The results of the MRI are unknown, but Hogg notes that it's unlikely that Clarke will be on the Brewers' Opening Day roster. His last spring training appearance was March 17 against the Royals, when he threw three scoreless innings with two hits and one walk allowed.

The Brewers acquired Clarke from the Royals on Thursday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ryan Brady and Cam Devanney will head to the Royals, who needed to free up a spot on their 40-man roster for the signing of Seth Lugo. Clarke posted a 5.95 ERA and 1.61 WHIP over 59 innings out of Kansas City's bullpen in 2023 but did also record 65 strikeouts. He should operate in middle relief for Milwaukee.

Clarke signed a one-year contract with the Royals on Saturday, avoiding arbitration.

EDGE Analysis

The Royals will keep Clarke in their bullpen for the 2024 campaign despite the 30-year-old reliever posting a 5.95 ERA and 1.61 WHIP last season -- both the worst marks of his career. Clarke struck out 65 batters in 59 innings, but his fantasy value will continue to be limited until he finds a way to prevent runs from scoring.

Clarke (3-6) allowed three runs on three hits and struck out one over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss Tuesday versus the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Clarke gave up back-to-back solo home runs to Akil Baddoo and Parker Meadows in the eighth inning, and he couldn't settle down after that. Jackson Kowar later allowed an inherited runner to score. Clarke has taken on a share of the closing committee in Kansas City, but the numbers haven't been pretty -- he has an 8.64 ERA over 8.1 innings in September and a 5.90 ERA with a 1.60 WHIP and 65:24 K:BB through 58 innings overall. The reliever has added three saves, 12 holds and three blown saves.

Clarke hit a batter but didn't allow a hit or a walk while striking out one over 1.2 scoreless innings to earn the save in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

Clarke has picked up all three of his saves this year over his last four outings. He's still allowed six runs (five earned) over 7.2 innings in September, but he's nonetheless worked his way into the Royals' closing committee with Carlos Hernandez. For the year, Clarke has a 5.49 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 64:24 K:BB through 57.1 innings while adding 12 holds and three blown saves.

Clarke recorded the final out of Saturday's 10-8 win over the Astros to pick up his second save of the season.

EDGE Analysis

Carlos Hernandez got the call to begin the ninth inning with the Royals ahead 10-6, but after giving up three straight hits to begin the frame and then issuing a two-out walk to load the bases, Clarke was brought in and coaxed a groundout from Yainer Diaz to end the game. Hernandez has a 16.62 ERA and 3.46 WHIP over his last six appearances, so Clarke appears to be the top closing candidate for the Royals as they wrap up the campaign.