MLB Player News

Wetherholt (wrist) will hit off a pitching machine Monday before going through a full pregame workout Tuesday, Daniel Guerrero of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Wetherholt is feeling better as he works his way back from right wrist tendinitis, and his next steps will be determined based on how he comes out of Tuesday's workout. The rookie infielder previously set a goal of returning during the Cardinals' final homestand of the season, which concludes Sunday. Wetherholt still has a chance to reach that goal, but more will be known about his timeline following Tuesday's workout.

Harris went 3-for-5 with two runs scored in Sunday's loss to the Phillies.

The streaky center fielder began September in a 3-for-35 slump, but Harris has busted out with seven hits in the last two contests, producing one homer, one steal, three RBI and four runs. Harris boasts a .291/.318/.490 slash line through 575 plate appearances on the year with a career-high 25 homers, plus 11 steals, 71 runs and 83 RBI, but he could be gearing up for a big finish over the final two weeks of the campaign.

Dubon went 3-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base in Sunday's loss to the Phillies.

The veteran utility player got the start in left field and hit fifth as he puts the finishing touches on a career-best campaign. Dubon has been in the lineup nearly every day for Atlanta while seeing extensive time in left (80 games) and shortstop (56 games) and occasionally covering center field, third base or second base, and he's set new career highs in homers (11) and steals (eight) while slashing .268/.313/.385 in 570 plate appearances.

Suarez (elbow) faced live hitters Sunday, throwing 15 pitches and touching 98 mph with his fastball, Jesus Cano of The Athletic reports. "I was very encouraged," manager Walt Weiss said afterward. "To be honest with you, I wasn't expecting that. I thought he kind of eased into it, but he let it go, and it was really good, and he felt really good afterwards."

The right-hander hasn't seen game action since June 19, but Suarez looks like he may be able to rejoin Atlanta's bullpen before the end of the regular season. He'll get in one more session against live hitters and could then be sent on a brief rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett before the International League season ends next week. Suarez has a sparkling 0.56 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 26:6 K:BB through 32 innings this season with four wins, four saves and 12 holds in 31 appearances.

Ritchie might be called up to start for Atlanta on Wednesday against the Cubs, Jesus Cano of The Athletic reports.

That would be AJ Smith-Shawver's turn through the rotation, but the team has yet to officially name him the starter, suggesting it is considering other options. Ritchie has been pitching well for Triple-A Gwinnett since being demoted in early August, and over his last six starts he's posted a 2.14 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 44:14 K:BB in 33.2 innings. During two September starts, he's produced a dazzling 24:2 K:BB in 12.2 frames.

Atlanta re-signed Hernandez to a minor-league contract Monday, Grant McAuley of the Marietta Daily Journal reports.

Hernandez had elected free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment, but he's now returned to the organization on a new minor-league deal. The righty will provide experienced swingman depth down the stretch.

Atlanta designated Falter for assignment Monday.

Falter logged 3.1 scoreless innings covering two outings for Atlanta, but he's been jettisoned from the roster in favor of a fresh arm. Because he's making $3.6 million this season, the lefty is likely to clear waivers.

Atlanta recalled Murphy from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.

Murphy posted a 1.29 ERA over his last five starts with Gwinnett, though that came with just an 18:11 K:BB over 28 innings. He will provide length in the bullpen for Atlanta.

The Phillies optioned Holman to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday.

Holman gave up five runs while recording just one out in his lone appearance for the Phillies this season, but his ERA is still 0.00 because all five of those runs were unearned. His spot in the bullpen was taken by Tanner Banks, who returned from the 60-day injured list.

The Phillies activated Banks (forearm) from the 60-day injured list Monday.

Banks has been shelved since early July with a left forearm strain, but he was cleared to return after yielding one run with a 12:1 K:BB over seven rehab innings. The 34-year-old will give the Phillies another left-handed relief option.