MLB Player News

Encarnacion-Strand has been one of the early stars in Reds camp this spring, highlighted by a long homer Saturday against A's starter Drew Rucinski, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. He's had seven hits in 11 at-bats so far, with two homers and a double among those hits.

Encarnacion-Strand has been spending most of his time in spring training games at first base, and that appears to be his ultimate destination, as the Reds are deep in prospects on the left side of the infield. He had a brilliant season at the plate last year between Double-A and High-A, hitting .304/.368/.587. While there's some question whether his hit tool will translate at higher levels, he's made quite an impression so far this spring.

Vientos went 3-for-4 with two home runs and five RBI in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.

Getting the start at third base and hitting second in the order, Vientos launched a two-run shot off minor-league reliever Justin Evans in the fourth inning before taking potential Miami closer Dylan Floro deep in the fifth for a three-run blast, with both homers being no-doubters to straightaway center field. Vientos doesn't appear to have much of a chance at winning the starting job at the hot corner for Opening Day with both Eduardo Escobar and Brett Baty ahead of him in the pecking order, but he's doing what he can to win a spot on the big-league bench. The 23-year-old prospect has gone 7-for-21 to begin his spring, with four of the hits (two doubles plus Saturday's home runs) going for extra bases.

Lewis (leg) will make his spring training debut Sunday against Cleveland, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

The 27-year-old will serve as the D-backs' designated hitter for his first few appearances before eventually working his way back into the outfield mix. Lewis slashed just .143/.226/.304 over 64 major-league plate appearances last season while battling injuries for most of the year, and his 2020 AL Rookie of the Year campaign is getting further in the rearview mirror.

Soler hit second in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals, going 2-for-3 with his first home run of the spring, and Marlins manager Skip Schumaker indicated he likes having a hitter with some power in that spot in the batting order, Jordan McPherson of The Miami Herald reports.

The 31-year-old mostly hit third last year for ex-manager Don Mattingly when he was healthy, but Soler could move even higher on Schumaker's lineup card. His 10.9 percent walk rate over the last two seasons is certainly acceptable for the top of the order, but Soler will likely need to improve his .218 batting average to fully take advantage of the assignment. Hitting second would add a bit more fantasy intrigue to a player who's only suited up for 221 games since 2021, but slugged 40 homers in them.

Choi (elbow) will serve as the designated hitter and bat fifth against the Yankees on Thursday, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

The 31-year-old will be making his first start of the spring and his Pirates debut after undergoing surgery in November to remove a bone fragment from his right elbow. Choi was traded in the offseason after slashing .233/.341/.388 with 11 homers in 113 games with the Rays last season. Health permitting, he should start against most right-handed pitchers to begin 2023.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Lewis (legs) is expected to make his spring training debut "by the weekend," Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

The manager said Lewis has been dealing with leg fatigue, likely the result of numerous knee problems during his major-league career. The outfielder was the AL Rookie of the Year while with the Mariners in 2020 but has done little since.

Ruf (wrist) took batting practice in an indoor cage over the weekend and is expected to move up to live batting practice in the next couple days, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The 36-year-old slugger got a cortisone shot in his right wrist last week after reporting some soreness as he was ramping up his activity level. Ruf is expected to be fully healthy by Opening Day, but he'll likely be limited to a platoon role this year, getting some starts at DH and being used as a pinch hitter against left-handed pitching.

Blackmon (knee) is batting leadoff as the designated hitter in Sunday's spring game against the Brewers, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Blackmon ended the 2022 campaign on the injured list with a torn meniscus in his left knee, but he's ready to go early in spring training for the Rockies. The 36-year-old had a .264/.314/.419 slash line with 16 home runs and 78 RBI in 135 games last season, and he should serve as Colorado's primary designated hitter this year, which is the final season of his contract.

Lewis is working on strengthening his legs and will be a non-participant in early spring games, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports. "We have a plan and a process for him to just continue making sure that he's as game ready as possible," Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said.

Lewis' absence from game action was predetermined. Acquired from Seattle during the offseason, Lewis has dealt with knee problems throughout his career and managed to play in just 100 combined games over the last two years, including minor-league activity.

Solak (foot) is starting in left field and batting seventh in Sunday's spring game against the Giants, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Solak ended last season on the injured list with a fractured right foot but is good to go early in spring training. The 28-year-old was acquired by the Reds from the Rangers in November and will compete for a utility role in camp.