MLB Player News

Phillips (hamstring) is expected to make 2-to-3 rehab appearances before being activated from the 15-day injured list, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Stephen estimates that Phillips is about a week away from a return, though how the right-hander fares during his rehab outings will ultimately dictate his exact return date. He's been shut down since May 3 after suffering a right hamstring strain.

Ross was removed from Monday's start against the Marlins after one scoreless inning due to back tightness, Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin reports.

Ross was reportedly dealing with some back tightness before Monday's start, but he felt good enough to give it a go after warming up. However, his back tightened back up during a 15-pitch first inning, and he's been officially diagnosed with a low back strain. Jared Koenig was called upon out of the bullpen following the right-hander's departure and will likely be asked to eat up a few frames.

Sheehan revealed Monday that last week's right elbow surgery was an internal brace procedure, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The internal brace procedure typically allows for a shorter rehab than a traditional Tommy John surgery, although Sheehan noted Monday that he's been told to expect the rehab to last 13 months. That puts the young right-hander out until around the All-Star break next year.

Merrill is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader in Atlanta.

Merrill started in center field in Game 1 and went 1-for-4 with two RBI, as he brought home San Diego's first two runs on a groundout and a single. Jose Azocar will take over in center field for the nightcap.

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.

Atlanta optioned Elder to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.

Elder allowed seven runs (six earned) over three innings in a loss to the Padres on Sunday in his last outing. With a bloated 6.46 ERA during his time in the majors, Elder will head back to Gwinnett as he looks to get back on track. Darius Vines has been recalled and is a candidate to take Elder's rotation spot.