MLB Player News

Lodolo exited his start Monday against the Cubs due to an undisclosed injury, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. He struck out one across 1.2 perfect innings before exiting.

The nature of the injury that forced Lodolo from the game isn't clear, but the Reds' team trainer appeared to be examining the southpaw's pitching hand, which could indicate that the hurler was dealing with a blister. The team should have an update on Lodolo after the game.

Freeland is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cardinals.

With Max Muncy (knee) returning from the 10-day injured list Monday and taking back his usual spot at third base in the series finale, Freeland will hit the bench after he had manned the hot corner in each of the previous four games while going 4-for-13 with an RBI and a 1:6 BB:K. Since utility man Tommy Edman (ankle) landed on the injured list in a corresponding move, Freeland's stay in the big leagues will be extended, though he'll now have to vie for playing time at the keystone. Miguel Rojas will start at second base Monday, but manager Dave Roberts said that Freeland will receive his first start at the position Tuesday, per David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports.

Betts will continue to hit in the top two spots of the batting order despite his recent struggles, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports.

Manager Dave Roberts stated in his pregame presser that moving Betts down in the order isn't in the game plan at this time. "You've got to think of the alternatives. How guys are swinging right now and the way I look at our lineup and the way guys are swinging, there's not better alternative," said Roberts. "Also, given that Will Smith doesn't play every day, you're trying to not mix and match the top of the order when the catcher plays three out of four or whatever it is. So that's kind of the math." Betts has been scuffling at the dish for a good part of the last month, slashing .167/.219/.265 with two home runs, seven RBI, two stolen bases and 12 runs scored over his last 26 matchups but should continue to see opportunities to produce atop the Dodgers' batting order.

The Rockies will recall Molina from Triple-A Albuquerque and will have him start Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays at Coors Field, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Kyle Freeland has been dealing with a sinus infection and will be pushed back from Tuesday to make his next start in Wednesday, but Colorado already had an existing opening in its rotation for the series with the Blue Jays after Antonio Senzatela (finger) was placed on the injured list Saturday. Molina will be called upon to take over Senzatela's spot for what will be his second MLB start and his first of the 2025 season. Since being optioned to Triple-A on June 27, Molina has been one of Albuquerque's most effective starters, as he's turned in a 3.06 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 15:4 K:BB in 17.2 innings over four outings. Molina could be in line for multiple turns through the Colorado rotation until the Rockies get one of Senzatela or German Marquez (biceps) back from the IL.

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.