HOUSTON -- Cardinals right-hander Keynan Middleton will undergo season-ending flexor repair surgery on his right forearm next week, manager Oliver Marmol said Tuesday.

“In order for him to have any shot of being ready for 2025, it’s the best option, so his season will be over,” Marmol said.

Middleton, 30, never pitched for the Cardinals this season after signing a one-year deal with a club option for 2025 in February.

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After several weeks of rehabilitating and strengthening his right forearm, Middleton recently made five appearances and compiled a 2.25 ERA for Double-A Springfield. However, pain returned to the forearm following relief appearances on May 22-23.

He underwent another MRI on the flexor tendon last week after experiencing more pain and stiffness. Middleton saw a specialist in New York on Monday, Marmol said.

Middleton came to the Cardinals after splitting last season between the White Sox and Yankees, compiling a 2-2 record with a 3.38 ERA in 51 games. The right-hander is 10-8 with a 3.84 ERA over seven seasons, also appearing with the Angels, Mariners and Diamondbacks.