MLB Player News

Middleton (forearm) played catch from 110 feet Saturday and Sunday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The Cardinals haven't followed up about how Middleton responded to his latest long-toss session, but assuming he didn't experience any complications with his strained right forearm, he could soon be cleared to start throwing off a mound again. Middleton hasn't pitched since suffering the injury in a March 7 Grapefruit League game, but once healthy, he's expected to be a key part of the late-inning bridge to closer Ryan Helsley.

Nelson allowed one run on one hit without retiring a batter in Monday's 5-3 loss to St. Louis.

Nelson's outing lasted one pitch, a hanging slider that Nolan Gorman sent over the right-center field fence for a walk-off, two-run home run. This was the third consecutive appearance in which Nelson allowed at least one run after he opened the season with 9.1 scoreless innings.

Thompson (0-1) was tagged with Monday's loss to the Cardinals, allowing one run on one hit while striking out one over one-plus innings.

Thompson executed a perfect 1-2-3 eighth inning before giving up a leadoff infield single to open the bottom of the ninth. He was replaced by Kyle Nelson for a lefty-on-lefty matchup, but the at-bat lasted one pitch -- Nolan Gorman tattooed a hanging slider for a walk-off, two-run home run. Thompson has pitched well thus far, posting a 1.86 ERA with four holds through 10 outings (eight scoreless). He'll continue to serve in a setup role for Kevin Ginkel for now, and eventually for Paul Sewald (oblique) when he's ready to return.

Mears (0-2) allowed two earned runs on three hits and a walk while striking out one to take the loss Monday against the Padres.

Mears was on the mound for the second consecutive day, this time in the eighth inning with the task of keeping the score knotted at 1-1. He got two outs across the first three batters he faced but then allowed a double and a pair of singles to account for the damage and take his second loss of the season. Mears has looked to be in the mix for saves and has been used in high-leverage spots early on this season, though this outing won't help his case.

Suarez earned a save against the Rockies on Monday, giving up two hits in a scoreless inning of work.

Suarez entered in the ninth inning with San Diego up by two runs and found himself in some trouble when two of the first three batters he faced notched a hit. However, the right-hander got Ryan McMahon to ground into a game-ending double play to escape the jam without a run charged to his ledger. Suarez has now competed eight straight scoreless appearances, and he's given up just one run over 10.2 frames on the season. With eight saves, he is tied with Clay Holmes for first in the majors in that category.

Iglesias picked up the save Monday against Miami. He pitched a clean inning with one strikeout.

Iglesias continued his sterling start to the campaign Monday night with an uneventful save against the Marlins. He needed only 11 pitches to set down Josh Bell, Jesus Sanchez and Tim Anderson in order for his seventh save, tying him for the NL lead. Iglesias has pitched to a 2.16 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 6:1 K:BB over 8.1 innings.

Bednar picked up the save Monday against the Brewers. He pitched one shutout inning, allowing one hit and no walks with one strikeout.

Bednar appeared to be back to his All-Star form Monday night, locking down his third save without issue. The one hit he allowed came via an infield single from the speedy Jackson Chourio. Despite sporting an unsightly 10.13 ERA, Bednar is firmly cemented as the Pittsburgh closer.

The Giants optioned Avila to Triple-A Sacramento on Monday.

The move comes with Luke Jackson (back) being reinstated from the 15-day injury list. Avila has struggled over his six outings with the Giants this season, posting a 7.04 ERA and 1.70 WHIP over 7.2 frames with seven strikeouts and two walks.

The Giants reinstated Jackson (back) from the 15-day injured list Monday.

Jackson was placed on the 15-day IL after sustaining a lower-back strain in the Giants' season opener against the Padres. Jackson appeared in 33 games out of the bullpen last season, posting a 2.97 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 43:15 K:BB over 33.1 innings. The Giants optioned right-hander Nick Avila to Triple-A Sacramento in a corresponding move.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Monday that Sewald (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A Reno, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Sewald sustained a Grade 2 left oblique strain late in spring training and has been on the 15-day injured list all season. The right-hander will likely need multiple rehab outings before he makes his way back to the majors. Kevin Ginkel has done a fine job filling in as the Diamondbacks' closer, but Sewald should eventually get his old job back.