MLB Player News

Manager David Bell said that Winker (illness) will take part in baseball activities during a pregame workout Wednesday before a determination is made on whether he'll be available off the bench in the Reds' series finale with the Pirates, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Even if the Reds elect not to use Winker for a fourth straight game, the 27-year-old would still appear on track to re-enter the starting nine for Friday's series opener in Arizona. Tyler Naquin will continue to work in left field for Winker after slugging three home runs and driving in 10 over the past three games.

Buxton (illness) will start in center field and bat fifth Wednesday against the Tigers, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Though Buxton was held out of the starting nine for a second straight day Tuesday while he dealt with an illness, he erased any concern about his health by entering the game in the fifth inning and delivering a solo home run across two at-bats in the Twins' 4-3 loss. Now that he's feeling healthy again, Buxton should be able to play center field on an everyday basis.

Rooker was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday due to a cervical strain, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Rooker was slated to start in left field against the Tigers on Wednesday, but he's apparently dealing with a neck injury that will force him to miss at least 10 days. Left-hander Brandon Waddell's contract was selected by Minnesota in a corresponding move. It's not yet clear when Rooker will be able to return.

Winker (illness) remains out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates.

Manager David Bell will keep Winker on the bench for a fourth straight day while he continues to work through an illness. The Reds have an off day on tap Thursday, which could provide Winker with enough time to get closer to 100 percent health ahead of a weekend series in Arizona.

Solak went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and a run scored in Tuesday's 7-4 victory over Toronto.

Both of Solak's steals came following his third-inning single, though he was ultimately stranded at third base. The 26-year-old swiped seven bags in eight attempts last season and stole 21 bases at Double-A in 2018, so he can be a contributor in that category if he's able to reach base consistently.

Martinez went 2-for-6 with two doubles and three RBI on Tuesday against the Rays.

Martinez played hero Tuesday night, driving in two runs in the bottom of the 12th inning to give the Red Sox a walkoff win. The performance continued what has been a very hot start to the season for Martinez, as he has at least one extra-base hit in every contest while racking up nine RBI and four runs scored across five games. Martinez appears to have put his forgettable 2020 campaign behind him, as he is hitting the ball with authority and has struck out only three times in 23 plate appearances.

Buxton (illness) entered Tuesday's game against the Tigers as a defensive replacement in the bottom of the fifth inning.

He is apparently over the bug that kept him out for half of Sunday's game, all of Monday's game and half of Tuesday's contest. He replaces Brent Rooker while Jake Cave slides over to left field.

McCutchen is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mets, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

McCutchen started each of the first four games of the season, going just 2-for-12 at the plate but walking five times. Matt Joyce will make his first start of the season in his absence.

Miller (oblique) will start at first base and bat seventh Tuesday against the Mets, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

The Phillies limited Miller's exposure to defensive work late in spring training while he battled a right oblique strain, but he was able to avoid a stint on the injured list to begin the season. Though he didn't start any of Philadelphia's first four games, he received an at-bat off the bench in each contest. He'll now get the opportunity to make his first start with Philadelphia while everyday first baseman Rhys Hoskins gets a rare day off.

Brantley (wrist) will remain on the bench Tuesday against the Angels, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brantley was hit by a pitch Saturday against Oakland and has yet to return to the field. Previous reports indicated that the Astros were hopeful he could return Tuesday, but the chances of that decreased after he was unable to take batting practice Monday. Brantley still appears in good shape to avoid a trip to the injured list, as manager Dusty Baker said that the veteran may be available off the bench to pinch run and play defense, according to Rome. With an off day coming Wednesday, Brantley will turn his focus to rejoining the lineup Thursday against Oakland.