MLB Player News

Rockies interim manager Warren Schaeffer said Sunday that Herget will see more opportunities late in games after closer Seth Halvorsen (elbow) was placed on the 15-day injured list, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Schaeffer tabbed Victor Vodnik and Juan Mejia as the main candidates to pick up saves while Halvorsen is out, but Herget will move up a rung in the bullpen pecking order and could serve as one of the Rockies' top setup men. The 31-year-old right-hander has covered 58.2 innings over his 39 appearances for Colorado this season, logging a 2.91 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 49:19 K:BB while collecting two holds.

The Rockies announced Monday that Ritter (finger) has resumed swinging a bat, MLB.com reports.

Ritter isn't yet swinging at 100 percent, as he's been trying to avoid putting pressure on his right middle finger, which was hit by a pitch on a bunt attempt in a July 19 game. The rookie infielder suffered a significant laceration on the finger but has since had his stitches removed. The Rockies haven't indicated when Ritter might be ready to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment.

Vargas (foot) will participate in live batting practice Tuesday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Skipper Torey Lovullo stated Monday that Vargas has already seen live at-bats in a minor-league game, and the goal is to get him more live at-bats later in the week if Tuesday's live BP session goes well. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since June 25 due to a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot and will likely need to get through a few more game before being activated.

Busch is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Reds.

The left-handed-hitting Busch started in the Cubs' previous matchup against a lefty starter (the Orioles' Trevor Rogers) on Friday, but manager Craig Counsell is not yet ready to deploy the 27-year-old versus same-handed pitching on a full-time basis. Justin Turner will spell Busch at first base as the Cubs go up against southpaw Nick Lodolo on Monday.

Lawlar (hamstring) will take live batting practice Tuesday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Lawlar has been sidelined since suffering a Grade 1 hamstring strain in late June, but he'll take a major step in his recovery Tuesday. Manager Torey Lovullo said Monday that the plan would be to then have Lawlar get into some sort of game situation Thursday. Once healthy, the 23-year-old won't likely have to wait long to join the major-league roster after Arizona dealt starting third baseman Eugenio Suarez to the Mariners ahead of the trade deadline last week.

Marte is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cubs.

Marte will exit the lineup for the first time since July 7, ending a stretch of 22 straight starts during which he slashed .282/.317/.474 with four home runs, three steals, 11 runs and 10 RBI. The 23-year-old saw most of his playing time at third base in that stretch, but in the wake of last week's acquisition of Ke'Bryan Hayes, Marte may be thrust into more of a utility role moving forward that will include more opportunities in right field. He started in right field in each of the last four games, but he may end up settling into the short side of a platoon at that spot with the left-handed-hitting Jake Fraley.

Smith (oblique) will take live batting practice Tuesday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Smith has been shelved since July 6 due to a right oblique strain but is set to take a notable step forward Tuesday. If he emerges from Tuesday's baseball activities without suffering any type of setback, the team could get him live at-bats during a minor-league game Thursday, per Weiner.

Hernandez (elbow) is not guaranteed to play again in 2025, Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com reports.

Hernandez has been on the shelf since early July due to left elbow inflammation, but he has yet to resume baseball activities. Manager Dave Roberts said Monday that the team is "hopeful" that the 33-year-old will be able to return before the end of the season, but nothing is guaranteed. Hernandez has posted a disappointing .195 average with eight home runs, 22 RBI and 23 runs scored over 169 at-bats in 72 games this year.

Moreno (finger) has been cleared to resume baseball activities and could begin hitting by the end of the week, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Manager Torey Lovullo noted Monday that Moreno has just begun his return to play progression, and that he's been cleared to take dry swings. If all goes week throughout the week, the backstop could get the green light to see live at-bats. An exact timetable for Moreno's return has yet to be established.

Muncy (knee) has been activated from the 10-day injured list and will start at third base Monday night against the Cardinals, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Monday will mark Muncy's first game back since July 2 after missing time with a left knee bone bruise. The veteran is expected to start the next two matchups for the Dodgers, per Vassegh.