MLB Player News

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.

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.

Gallegos (shoulder) will throw another bullpen session Tuesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

It will be his third since going on the injured list two weeks ago with a right shoulder impingement. Gallegos could continue with his mound work after that or perhaps will be cleared to begin a rehab assignment. It sounds like he might be ready to rejoin the Cardinals' bullpen in late May or early June.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Monday that Thompson is a candidate to start Saturday versus the Cubs, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

It sounds like the decision will come down to either Thompson or Andre Pallante, although the team doesn't appear close to making that call. Thompson was sent down last month after posting a 9.53 ERA over five appearances (two starts). He's managed to put up a 1.84 ERA in 14.2 frames with Triple-A Memphis, although that's come with a 14:13 K:BB.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Monday that Pallante could be recalled from Triple-A Memphis to start Saturday against the Cubs, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The Cardinals are moving Matthew Liberatore back to the bullpen after trying him out for a few starts, but the team still has an opening in the rotation while Steven Matz (back) remains on the injured list. Pallante hasn't started a game in the majors since 2022 but has been getting stretched back out at Memphis. His results have been mixed, as he's managed a 2.20 ERA but also an ugly 9:13 K:BB over 16.1 frames. Zack Thompson is the other main candidate to draw Saturday's start.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Monday that Liberatore is unlikely to start Saturday versus the Cubs, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

The Cards have gone back and forth on the best role for Liberatore, and the team's brain trust seems to have now settled on deploying the young left-hander out of the bullpen, where he had some success early on in the season. Andre Pallante and Zack Thompson are considered the leading candidates to start Saturday.

The Royals activated Brentz (hamstring) from the 15-day injured list Monday and optioned him to Double-A Northwest Arkansas, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The hamstring injury that landed Brentz on the IL before the season is no longer an issue, but what is a problem is the 17 walks he issued over six rehab innings. Brentz will stay in the minors to work on ironing out his command problems.

Banda (1-0) was the pitcher of record in Sunday's 3-2 extra-inning win over the Reds, striking out one batter in a perfect inning of relief.

After being acquired in a trade with Cleveland on Friday, Banda was brought up to Los Angeles on Sunday and was asked to keep the Reds offense at bay in the top of the 10th inning. The southpaw was successful in doing so, keeping the automatic runner from coming home in a nine-pitch frame. Banda bounced between six teams over the past four campaigns and hasn't yet shown an extended run of MLB success, so he's likely to work primarily in lower-leverage spots with the Dodgers for the time being.

Vieira was designated for assignment by the Brewers on Monday.

Vieira has fanned 25 batters over his 22.1 innings this season, but he's also walked 13 and posted a 5.64 ERA and 1.70 WHIP. The 31-year-old has a big arm, so it's possible he'll draw interest from a team that thinks it might be able to fix him.

The Cardinals optioned Roycroft to Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

Roycroft threw 36 pitches and allowed three runs over an inning of work Sunday, so he'll be sent out in favor of a fresh relief arm. Ryan Loutos will absorb his roster spot.

The Rays optioned Rodriguez to Triple-A Durham on Monday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Rodriguez holds a 2.79 ERA in nine relief appearances with the Rays this season, although that's come with a 1.55 WHIP. Richard Lovelady is taking his spot in the bullpen.