MLB Player News

Beck (arm) isn't expected to be cleared to resume throwing until May, MLB.com reports.

Beck has been on the injured list all season after he underwent surgery March 4 to address an aneurysm in his upper right arm. Though he's been cleared to increase the extent of his conditioning work nearly two months since having the procedure, Beck still isn't able to play catch. He's due for a follow-up appointment with a vascular specialist May 1, after which he may be cleared to start a throwing progression. The Giants aren't anticipating Beck making his return from the 60-day IL until after the All-Star break.

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.

The Rangers optioned White to Triple-A Round Rock on Monday.

White was up with the big club for just a few days and did not make an appearance. He's clearing out to make room for Jonathan Hernandez's return from the injured list.

The Rangers activated Hernandez (lat) from the 15-day injured list Monday.

Hernandez got a late start to the season due to a right lat strain but is ready to roll now after allowing just three runs with a 14:4 K:BB over 10 rehab innings with Triple-A Round Rock. The righty could eventually work his way into high-leverage situations but will probably be used earlier in games initially.

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.

Kimbrel earned a save against the Angels on Monday, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two batters over one scoreless inning.

Kimbrel ran into some trouble in attempting to protect Baltimore's two-run ninth inning lead when he allowed the first two batters he faced to reach base. A one-out walk -- Kimbrel's first free pass of the campaign -- loaded the bases for Los Angeles, but the veteran closer got Nolan Schanuel to pop out before striking out Mike Trout looking to slam the door closed in dramatic fashion. Kimbrel is now 6-for-7 in save opportunities this season, and he's allowed just one earned run over 10 frames while racking up an impressive 16:1 K:BB.

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.

Romano allowed a run on one hit in one inning Monday. He struck out one batter and earned a save over Kansas City.

Romano coughed up a solo homer to Kyle Isbel but still finished off the 5-3 victory. Romano has converted each of his three save chances since returning from the injured list April 16. Through four appearances, he's given up two runs and has yet to walk a batter.