Encarnacion-Strand started at designated hitter and went 2-for-3 with a triple, a home run, three RBI and an additional run scored in Monday's spring game against Oakland.

Encarnacion-Strand, who was hitless over his first five Cactus League at-bats, has hit safely in three straight games, going 4-for-8 with three extra-base hits and four RBI. Although he served as the DH on Monday, the 24-year-old is projected to be the Reds' primary first baseman.

Walker (hand) is now expected to return to action Thursday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

An earlier report estimated Tuesday for Walker's return, but manager Torey Lovullo said Thursday is the more likely target. The first baseman, who was hit on the right hand by a pitch last Thursday, has begun hitting.

Santana looks set to be used against both right-handed and left-handed pitching at first base with Alex Kirilloff primarily being used at DH, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. Santana is hitting 6-for-17 with a home run in six games this spring.

When the Twins signed Santana it was assumed he'd platoon with the lefty Kirilloff at first base, but this report makes it sound like Santana could be set for everyday duty. Kirilloff would then platoon with several right-handed batters at DH. Last season marked Santana's best year at the plate since 2019, as he slashed .240/.318/.429 with 23 homers and 86 RBI between the Pirates and Brewers.

Cron is tentatively scheduled to play his first game March 11, Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Cron was officially added to the spring training roster Sunday after signing with Boston on Friday. The Red Sox want a right-handed hitting complement to Triston Casas at first base, and Cron will begin his bid for the job next week. Bobby Dalbec is also part of the competition, but he has a minor-league option remaining which could influence the decision.

Torkelson is just 2-for-11 so far in Grapefruit League action with no home runs and four strikeouts.

It's very early, so Torkelson will likely get going before the spring slate ends, and he's locked into a starting role at first even if the struggles persist. The 24-year-old impressed in 2023 with 31 home runs across 159 games, though he batted just .233 and struck out 25 percent of the time. If Torkelson can improve his contact skills a bit and still deliver elite power, he should be primed for a big season.

Lowe went 1-for-3 with a double in Monday's spring game against the Angels.

Lowe is 3-for-15 through six Cactus League games, and all three hits are doubles. While he was unable to repeat his 2022 Silver Slugger Award last season, Lowe remains a good contact hitter that sits in the middle of a productive Texas lineup. The first baseman should see a good share of opportunities with runners in scoring position.

Naylor has gone 5-for-13 over five Cactus League games.

Naylor's five hits are all singles, and he's added three RBI so far. With Kyle Manzardo likely to start 2024 at Triple-A Columbus, Naylor's starting role between first base and designated hitter looks safe for now. Naylor broke out last year, batting .308 with an .843 OPS, 17 home runs, 97 RBI, 52 runs scored and 10 stolen bases over 121 contests. Depending on where Ramon Laureano ends up playing, there could be room for Naylor and Manzardo to coexist in the lineup at some point.

Walker (hand) has begun hitting and could return to game action Tuesday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Walker was hit by a pitch on his right hand Thursday and hasn't played since. If he returns Tuesday, Walker should have enough time to get ready for Opening Day.

Goldschmidt is 1-for-10 with five strikeouts and a walk over his first five Grapefruit League games.

Goldschmidt's strikeout rate ticked up to 23.5 percent last season -- it's been steadily going up since his career-low mark of 18.7 percent in 2020. By normal standards, Goldschmidt was fine with a .268/.363/.447 slash line over 154 games last season, but it was a vast drop compared to his MVP-level performance the year before. The 36-year-old first baseman isn't in danger over losing his spot in the lineup, but he may simply no longer be the ever-reliable hitter he once was. A better showing from the Cardinals' offense as a whole may be able to buoy Goldschmidt's numbers even if his best years are behind him.

Wade has gone 3-for-14 with a home run and three RBI over his first five Cactus League games.

Wade remains a strong-side platoon option at first base. The Giants' signing of Matt Chapman, who is likely for an everyday role at third base, has displaced J.D. Davis. Righty hitters like Davis and Wilmer Flores could fill in at first base against opposing southpaws. Wade partially got back to his 2021 form last season, hitting .256 with a .790 OPS, 17 home runs, 45 RBI and 64 runs scored across a career-high 135 games.