MLB Player News

Yelich (hand) will start at designated hitter and bat cleanup in Monday's game against the Reds, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Yelich was forced out of Sunday's 5-2 win over the Phillies when he was struck on the right hand by a pitch during his lone plate appearance of the day, but he was fortunate to avoid any major damage after X-rays came back negative. Following the game, Yelich said that he was still dealing with some swelling and soreness on the hand that made it difficult to grip a bat, but he appears to have made good progress overnight. He'll be back in the lineup for the series opener in Cincinnati and will look to continue what's been his most productive offensive stretch of the season. Over his last nine starts, Yelich has gotten on base at a .525 clip and has slugged five home runs to go along with two steals.

Reds manager Terry Francona said Monday that Encarnacion-Strand (back) will remain on his rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville to begin the week, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports. "When he went down [with lower back inflammation], he wasn't swinging great," Francona said of Encarnacion-Strand. "Then you lose some time. You try to use [the rehab assignment] to your advantage."

Francona's comments suggest that Encarnacion-Strand isn't dealing with any physical setbacks since kicking off his rehab assignment May 22. Instead, the Reds want the 25-year-old to stockpile some more at-bats in the minors to get his timing back at the plate after he had struggled to begin the season before getting hurt and then being out of action for more than a month. Between stops in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League and Louisville during his rehab assignment, Encarnacion-Strand has slashed .355/.412/.742 with seven extra-base hits and a 2:8 BB:K over 34 plate appearances. The Reds could revisit adding Encarnacion-Strand back to the active roster following Thursday's off day.

Espinal is not in the lineup for Monday's game versus the Brewers.

Espinal has been an everyday player for the Reds since late April but will get a day of rest for the series opener. Garrett Hampson will handle third base and bat ninth Monday.

McLain is not in the lineup for Monday's contest versus the Brewers.

McLain will get a routine day off after picking up just one hit over his last five games. Gavin Lux will handle second base in the series opener.

De La Cruz will be placed on the bereavement list after Wednesday's game against the Brewers, Pat Brennan of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

De La Cruz's older sister passed away Saturday, so he will be given time away from the club. It's not clear how long he might be away, but by rule, he must miss a minimum of three games while on the bereavement list. With that in mind, De La Cruz appears in line to miss the Reds' entire three-game series versus the Diamondbacks this weekend.

Moniak is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Marlins.

Since signing with the Rockies shortly before Opening Day, Moniak has been deployed primarily as a strong-side platoon outfielder, but his grasp on a regular spot in the lineup versus righties appears to be slipping. For the second day in a row, Moniak finds himself on the bench against a righty (Max Meyer), while Tyler Freeman picks up another start in right field at Moniak's expense. Moniak owns a woeful .213/.252/.394 slash line in 135 plate appearances versus righties this season, so the Rockies' decision to scale back his playing time doesn't come as a major surprise.

Beck is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Marlins.

Beck will get his first day off since April 20, ending a streak of 39 consecutive starts. The 24-year-old had been serving as the Rockies' leadoff hitter since mid-May, but he could be at risk of moving down in the order if he's unable to break out of his ongoing slump after getting Monday off. Over his last five starts, Beck has gone 1-for-19 with one walk and six strikeouts.

Farmer is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Marlins.

After Michael Toglia was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday, Farmer initially looked to be the next man up at first base, but the Rockies instead appear content to keep the 34-year-old in a utility role. Farmer will be on the bench for a second straight matchup with a right-hander while recent call-up Keston Hiura garners another start at first base.

Hilliard will start in left field and bat leadoff in Monday's game against the Marlins.

After being called up from Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday, Hilliard sat out against lefty David Petersen in the Rockies' series opener with the Mets, but he started versus right-handers in the final two contests of the weekend and will remain in the lineup again against righty Max Meyer as Colorado opens its series in Miami. Hilliard has gone 3-for-7 with a solo home run and a walk since his call-up, and while he's swinging a hot bat, he looks like he'll get the chance to play regularly for a Rockies squad that's desperate for impact bats.

The Pirates designated Rainey for assignment Monday.

Rainey will lose his spot on the roster after he was knocked around for four runs while recording just one out in his final appearance with the Pirates on Sunday in San Diego. He seems likely to clear waivers.