MLB Player News

Stephenson (oblique) worked out with Triple-A Louisville this weekend and is expected to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Stephenson has been on the 10-day injured list since late in spring training and hasn't played in a game since mid-March. That length of absence suggests he'll require a significant amount of at-bats before rejoining the Reds roster -- maybe 20-to-30 at-bats over a week. As a comparison, the Rangers' Wyatt Langford missed the minimum 10 days and returned Sunday from a less-severe oblique injury after only six at-bats (two games).

Steer started at first base and went 2-for-6 with a walk, a double, an RBI and three runs scored in Sunday's 24-2 win over the Orioles.

Steer, who has been limited to designated hitter due to a right shoulder injury, made his first start in the field Sunday. He entered the contest batting .111 with three RBI through 15 games, suggesting the shoulder had a negative impact. It's unclear if Steer is able to play more than just first base. He's served at third base and in the outfield in past seasons.

Horwitz (wrist) has been cleared for baseball activity and will participate in extended spring training, MLB.com reports.

This marks a significant step in Horwitz's recovery, though he'll still likely need plenty of ramp-up time after missing all of spring training. He should take over as Pittsburgh's primary first baseman once activated from the injured list.

Santana (0-1) allowed one unearned run without allowing a hit to take the loss Sunday against the Guardians.

Santana was called upon to pitch the 10th inning and retired every batter he faced, but he still was stuck with the loss after allowing the ghost runner to score on a sacrifice fly. He has turned in seven scoreless efforts in nine appearances this season and appears to be Pittsburgh's preferred option at closer, even with David Bednar back on the roster.

Valdez (shoulder) went 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored Sunday against the Guardians.

Valdez was out of the starting lineup after suffering a minor shoulder injury Saturday, though he managed to enter the game as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning. That suggests Valdez should avoid a stint on the injured list, but his status will likely remain unclear until the Pirates retake the field Tuesday.

Frazier went 1-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored Sunday against the Guardians.

Frazier extended his hitting streak to five games when he delivered a two-RBI double in the ninth inning. He went on to steal third base -- his second theft of the season -- and score the game-tying run. Even with the solid showing, Frazier is hitting only .209 this season with a .090 ISO across 71 plate appearances.

Halvorsen allowed one hit and struck out two across 1.1 scoreless innings in the first game of Sunday's doubleheader against the Nationals.

The appearance was only Halvorsen's second since April 10, as the Rockies were in the midst of an eight-game losing streak. He was called upon to keep Colorado down one run with runners at first and second in the eighth inning Sunday, and he then remained in the game to conclude the contest. Tyler Kinley tallied the save in Game 2 of the doubleheader with Halvorsen unavailable, but Halvorsen still appears to be the team's primary closer.

Fulford went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Nationals.

Fulford drew his second start since being recalled Wednesday and hit ninth in the order. He went yard to lead off the sixth inning, accounting for his first big-league hit and homer. Fulford should continue to get looks as the backup catcher so long as Kris Bryant (back) is sidelined, which allows Hunter Goodman to serve as the designated hitter.

Walker (0-1) took the loss Sunday versus the Angels, allowing four runs on three hits and a walk while striking out a batter as his only out recorded.

Walker entered protecting a three-run lead and proceeded to blow his first save of the season. A walk and two singles loaded up the bases for the Angels with one out. Walker plunked Zach Neto to make it a 4-2 game, and Jo Adell followed with a double in the left field gap to clear the bases for the walk-off win. It was an uncharacteristically bad outing from Walker, whom had not given up a run since his season debut nor allowed more than one hit in any of his appearances before Sunday.

Verlander allowed one run on two hits and two walks in six innings Sunday in a no decision against the Angels. He struck out six.

Verlander's lone run allowed came on a fifth-inning solo blast by Zach Neto to knot the game at one. Verlander exited in line for the win after tossing 98 pitches but was left hanging after the Angels put up three runs in the ninth to walk it off. The 42-year-old put together a much-needed quality start after being tagged for 13 runs (12 earned) in his previous 13.2 innings. Verlander will be in search of his first win this season in a home start versus the Rangers over the weekend.