MLB Player News

Encarnacion-Strand, who was reassigned to minor-league camp March 14, isn't expected to be available to make his season debut for Triple-A Louisville until at least April 19 while he recovers from a slight disc herniation in his back, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Encarnacion-Strand originally suffered the injury Feb. 13, but he was sidelined for only a few days in spring training before entering the Reds' Cactus League lineup. He then proceeded to produce at the plate, batting a remarkable .577 with four home runs and 13 RBI in 27 plate appearances before getting sent to minor-league camp. The injury has since cropped back up and has resulted in Encarnacion-Strand sitting out minor-league games for the past week, so the Reds will err on the side of caution by holding him out at Triple-A for the early part of the season. The Reds are tentatively targeting April 19 for him to serve as a designated hitter for Louisville with the hope that he'll be ready to handle a full-time role in the field by April 24.

Lewis appears to have secured a spot on Arizona's Opening Day roster after Pavin Smith was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Sunday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Lewis put his best foot forward during spring training with three home runs and a .480/.581/.960 slash line in 31 appearances, which seems to have earned him a roster spot. The 27-year-old seems unlikely to have an everyday spot in the lineup but could see regular action against left-handed pitchers.

The Mets optioned Vientos to Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday.

Vientos appeared to have a good chance to win a bench spot with the Mets out of the Grapefruit League, but the 23-year-old will begin the season in the International League. He could be an option for New York if there's an injury or if the Mets are looking for offense in the summer months, particularly against left-handed pitching.

Blackmon (back) will bat second and serve as the designated hitter Saturday against the Guardians, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Blackmon sat for two weeks due to back stiffness, but he appeared in a minor-league game Friday and will play with the big-league club just one day later. It looks as though he'll be good to go for Opening Day, though the 36-year-old may require more off days than normal early on to ease him into the season.

Canha went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays.

Getting the start in left field and batting sixth, Canha collected his third double of the spring, although he has yet to go yard. The veteran outfielder has gone 12-for-48 (.250) in Grapefruit League action and is locked into a starting spot for the Mets.

Blackmon (back) will get at-bats in a minor-league game Friday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Blackmon has dealt with a back issue for the last two weeks but it doesn't seem to be a major concern. The veteran figures to try to get into another Cactus League game or two before camp breaks and is expected to be ready for Opening Day.

Morel hit his second home run in as many days and fourth of the spring in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Athletics.

Morel is batting only .244 in Cactus League action, though the power display has been impressive in 41 at-bats. The 23-year-old hit 16 home runs across 379 at-bats as a rookie last season, but he again struggled to make consistent contact with a .235 batting average. Morel could be a utility option for the Cubs this year, and while the playing time might not always be there, his combination of power and speed could make him interesting at some point.

Ruf (wrist) is starting at first base and batting sixth in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros.

Ruf has battled through wrist issues during spring training and is 3-for-23 in seven contests. A move to the injured list to begin the season has been mentioned for the 36-year-old, who also struggled after being acquired by the Mets at last year's trade deadline with a .413 OPS. Even if he sticks on the Opening Day roster, Ruf's opportunities are likely to be limited as a right-handed platoon and bench option.

Pederson was scratched from the Giants' Cactus League lineup Tuesday due to lower-body tightness, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

It's being called a precautionary measure and probably had a lot to do with the forecast of rain across parts of Arizona. Pederson can safely be considered day-to-day.

McCutchen (elbow) will serve as the Pirates' designated hitter and No. 3 batter in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game versus the Phillies.

McCutchen missed a handful of days with right elbow soreness, but it looks like he'll be ready to go with Opening Day just over a week away. It's not clear when he might be ready to play the outfield, but the elbow issue never seemed like a major concern.