The St. Louis Cardinals suffered a significant injury setback just before the start of the season.

The St. Louis Cardinals received unfortunate news just before Opening Day as pitcher Keynan Middleton was placed on the injured list due to a strained arm, according to The Athletic. Middleton, who was expected to play a significant role in the Cardinals’ bullpen this season, will miss the start of the season. The right-hander, known for his nearly 100-mile-per-hour fastball, joined the team this offseason after stints with the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees last year.

Middleton will need to rest his arm for at least 10 days, and the team is preparing to be without him for the initial weeks of the season. In 2023, Middleton finished with two saves and a 2-2 record in 51 games between the White Sox and Yankees, closing out the season with 64 strikeouts.

The Cardinals, looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 season where they finished last in the National League Central with a 71-91 record, made several offseason moves to strengthen their roster, including acquiring Middleton. While he was expected to serve primarily as a setup man, Middleton’s ability to close games was also a valuable asset.

Having also played for the Los Angeles Angels, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Seattle Mariners in his career, Middleton appeared in three Spring Training games for the Cardinals before his injury, allowing two hits and recording two strikeouts.