MLB Player News

Manager Pat Murphy said that Hamilton (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Hamilton landed on the injured list July 7 due to a strained left hamstring, and although he wasn't able to return immediately after the All-Star break, he doesn't appear to be too far away from activation. Joey Ortiz has filled in admirably as Hamilton's replacement at third base, posting a 1.054 OPS in Milwaukee's last eight games. The two players may split time at the hot corner more evenly once Hamilton is reinstated from the IL.

Manager Torey Lovullo said Saturday that MRI results of Puk's left shoulder revealed that his shoulder capsule hasn't fully healed, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Puk has been on the injured list all season while recovering from an internal brace procedure he underwent last summer, as well as a shoulder capsule sprain he suffered while pitching in a rehab game. The results of his latest MRI suggest that Puk's stay on the IL is likely to be extended even further, and he's set to visit Dr. Neal ElAttrache within the next couple of days to receive a second opinion before determining his next steps. An updated timeline for his return could come into focus following his appointment.

Manager Torey Lovullo said Saturday that Lawlar (hamstring) has been cleared for all baseball activities other than full-speed running, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Lawlar has been stuck on the injured list since June 20 due to a strained right hamstring. According to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com, Lovullo said that an MRI of Lawlar's hamstring hasn't shown full healing, but the 24-year-old has made enough progress in his recovery to do some light jogging along with all other baseball activities. Lawlar's ability to resume running at full speed will be a key factor in determining when he can potentially begin a rehab assignment with one of Arizona's minor-league affiliates. He's currently expected to return sometime in late July or early August, though that could be pushed back if he's unable to ramp up his running progression.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said that Nelson (elbow) will begin a throwing program Saturday or Sunday, Alex D'Agostino of SI.com reports.

Lovullo said Saturday that Nelson has shown considerable improvement since landing on the injured list June 19 due to a strained right elbow. The skipper still believes that the right-hander will be able to pitch again for the big club this season, though it's unclear whether Nelson will return from the IL as a starter or reliever. A better idea of his return timeline and expected role should emerge as he clears hurdles in his throwing program.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said July 8 that Roberts (forearm) completed a bullpen session, MLB.com reports.

Roberts had been scheduled to throw off a mound a second time prior to the All-Star break, though it's unclear if that came to pass. The right-hander has been on the shelf since June 29 due to forearm inflammation and will eventually need to complete a rehab assignment before returning from the 15-day injured list.

Manager Walt Weiss said Saturday that Murphy (finger) is getting close to beginning a rehab assignment, Grant McAuley of the Marietta Daily Journal reports.

A fractured left middle finger has kept Murphy on the shelf since mid-May, but he's been starting to check off the boxes necessary to move on to playing in minor-league games. Given the length of his absence, he'll likely have to play a handful of games in the minors before returning to the active roster. Weiss has already ruled Murphy out from coming off the 60-day injured list before the end of July, but an early August return could be plausible, per MLB.com.

Henderson (forearm) is listed as the Brewers' probable starter for Wednesday's game against the Mets in Milwaukee, Hunter Baumgardt of Fox Sports 920 Milwaukee reports.

Henderson relayed after Friday's win over the Marlins that he contended with forearm cramps in the Brewers' first game of the second half, but the issue apparently isn't considered serious enough to prevent him from making his next turn through the rotation on four days' rest. The right-hander limited Miami to just one run on three hits and no walks over five innings Friday, whittling his ERA and WHIP down to 2.97 and 0.93, respectively, over seven starts with the big club this season.

Yastrzemski (elbow) could return from the 10-day injured list when eligible Tuesday, Grant McAuley of the Marietta Daily Journal reports.

Yastrzemski has made encouraging progress in his recovery since landing on the IL on July 11 due to left elbow inflammation. Once activated, Yastrzemski should settle back into a strong-side platoon role in the corner outfield.

Gasser is slated to start Sunday's game against the Marlins in Milwaukee.

After turning in a 2.52 ERA and 0.88 WHIP over a four-start stretch with the big club, Gasser was recalled from Triple-A Nashville last weekend ahead of the Brewers' final game before the All-Star break. The 27-year-old lefty was unable to keep the momentum going, as he was lit up by the Pirates for seven earned runs on eight hits and no walks across three innings. Despite the rough performance to finish out the second half, Gasser will maintain his spot in the rotation coming out of the All-Star break while Milwaukee awaits the return of Kyle Harrison (elbow) from the injured list.

Rangel is slated to start Sunday's game against the Mets in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia demoted Rangel to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on July 2, but he was called back up last week when the Phillies required a fifth starter for the final time before the All-Star break. Rangel will remain in the rotation to open the second half, but he may not be in line for a permanent spot if the Phillies acquire a starter prior to the Aug. 3 trade deadline or elect to recall Andrew Painter from Triple-A and give him another shot in the big leagues. The 28-year-old Rangel has been a so-so performer through his first five appearances (two starts) with the big club, compiling a 4.19 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 22:9 K:BB in 19.1 innings.