MLB Player News

Encarnacion-Strand went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored in Tuesday's 8-1 win over Philadelphia.

Encarnacion-Strand, in his first three-hit game of the season, produced in a couple of key moments in the contest. After the Phillies jumped to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, he delivered a two-out double in the bottom half to tie the game. Two innings later, Encarnacion-Strand gave the Reds a 2-1 lead with another two-out RBI on a single. He later got on base to lead off the fifth prior to Elly De La Cruz's home run. Encarnacion-Strand's been a streaky hitter in 2024 and entered the night batting just .190, but he's managed to deliver with two outs -- he's posted a .364 average with 11 of his 16 RBI in those situations.

Walker went 2-for-4 with a walk, a home run, three RBI and an additional run scored in Tuesday's 14-1 win over St. Louis.

Walker kicked off the Diamondbacks' fun with a three-run blast in the third inning. It was the first of three Arizona homers, as later Kevin Newman (two-run shot) and Pavin Smith (grand slam) added to the rout. For Walker, it was his first home run since April 2, snapping an 18-game drought. With four homers in 25 games to start the 2024 season, Walker is behind the pace established the last two seasons when the first baseman launched 36 (2022) and 33 homers (2023); however, he had just four April home runs in each of those two previous seasons. It seems Walker's more productive months are ahead of him.

Smith went 2-for-5 with a grand slam, a double, two additional RBI and an additional run scored during Tuesday's 14-1 win over St. Louis.

After opening the season in Triple-A, Smith failed to log a hit in his first three games with the D-Backs. He made up for the slow start Tuesday, tagging reliever Zack Thompson for a two-run double in the fifth and a grand slam in the sixth. Smith's six runs batted in marked a career high, topping his previous best of four RBI.

Mountcastle (knee) isn't in the Orioles' lineup for Tuesday's game against the Angels.

Knee soreness kept Mountcastle from playing in Monday's contest, though manager Brandon Hyde said the 27-year-old was available off the bench for that game. He will remain in the dugout once again Tuesday, allowing Ryan O'Hearn to start at first base while Anthony Santander serves as Baltimore's DH and Heston Kjerstad covers right field.

Mervis was recalled from Triple-A Iowa and is batting eighth as the designated hitter Tuesday against the Astros, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The 26-year-old was called up as expected Tuesday and will immediately make his way into the starting nine. Michael Busch has earned an everyday role at first base with his hot start to the season, so Mervis is likely to see most of his playing time at designated hitter, especially while Seiya Suzuki (oblique) remains sidelined.

Torkelson is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rays.

Torkelson started the first 23 games of the season, but he has a .231/.311/.319 slash line and will take a seat Tuesday. Mark Canha will shift to first as Riley Greene serves as the designated hitter and Wenceel Perez receives a start in right field.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Casas has been diagnosed with a fracture in his left ribcage and will be "out a while," Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Casas suffered the injury on a swing during Saturday's game in Pittsburgh and was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday. It's a vague timetable provided by Cora, but a clearer picture should be available in the coming days and weeks. Bobby Dalbec is the current favorite to handle the bulk of the first base reps for Boston, but the club could seek help from outside the organization.

Bauers is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game at Pittsburgh.

Bauers returned from the bereavement list Monday and went 1-for-3 with a double and a strikeout, but he'll hit the bench Tuesday as lefty Bailey Falter starts for the Pirates. Rhys Hoskins will handle first base while William Contreras rests his legs as the designated hitter.

Goldschmidt went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Monday's 5-3 win over the Diamondbacks.

Goldschmidt's slow start has been the cause of much consternation for St. Louis, and it's led to him batting fifth in the last two games. He's gone 3-for-7 since the drop in the order, so it looks like the change is at least having a short-term effect. The first baseman is batting a meager .195 with a .566 OPS, two homers, nine RBI and eight runs scored over 94 plate appearances. Goldschmidt's track record will give him a lot of leeway to work out of his struggles, but it's possible that the 36-year-old may be starting to feel his age as well.

The Cubs are expected to recall Mervis from Triple-A Iowa prior to Tuesday's game against the Astros, Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register reports.

Hayden Wesneski is also headed back to the majors, per Birch. There's no word yet on what the corresponding moves will be, but Wesneski would have to replace an injured player since he hasn't been down 10 days yet. That could point to an injured list stint for Ian Happ (hamstring). Mervis is slashing .288/.402/.606 with five home runs and a 19:12 K:BB over his first 82 plate appearances with Iowa this season. He could see some action in the designated hitter spot for the Cubs.