MLB Player News

Walker went 3-for-3 with a pair of home runs, a walk and three total RBI in a 3-0 win against the Cubs on Saturday.

Walker accounted for all of the scoring in the contest, belting a two-run homer in the first inning and a solo shot in the fourth. He had three of the Astros' four hits against Cubs starter Colin Rea and reached all four times he came to the plate. Walker is enjoying a strong second season in Houston, posting a .266/.340/.521 slash line with 13 homers, 10 doubles, 30 runs and 34 RBI through 53 games.

The Reds reinstated Ferguson (oblique) from the injured list Saturday.

Ferguson has been sidelined by an oblique strain since spring training. He began playing in rehab games in late April but has struggled, allowing 11 earned runs in just 7.2 innings split between Double-A and Triple-A. Despite his poor results, the Reds are comfortable adding him back to their bullpen and will likely look to use him in middle relief.

The Reds added Petty to the active roster as the 27th man for Saturday's doubleheader against the Cardinals.

Petty will make his second big-league start of the season in the second game of Saturday's twin bill. He gave up three earned runs over 5.2 innings during his season debut against the Cubs on May 4 but owns a 6.32 ERA and 1.64 WHIP through 31.1 frames in Triple-A. He'll likely be sent back to Louisville following his appearance Saturday.

Rea (4-3) took the loss against Houston on Saturday, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out four batters over seven innings.

The damage against Rea came almost entirely off the bat of Christian Walker, who hit a pair of homers to account for all three of the Astros' runs. In fact, Walker had three of the four hits Rea allowed. Otherwise, the righty hurler was pretty effective, completing seven innings for the first time this season and registering his third quality start. This was a solid bounce-back effort for Rea after he gave up nine runs over nine innings across his previous two starts, though Chicago provided him with no runs of support Saturday, resulting in the loss. He's lined up to make his next start on the road in Pittsburgh.

King picked up a save against the Cubs on Saturday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter over one scoreless inning.

King had a nice three-run cushion when he entered in the ninth inning. The left-hander gave up a two-out single but got Michael Busch on a lineout to end the game. King has notched a save on back-to-back days and is now 6-for-8 on save chances this season. He seems to be the Astros' current top ninth-inning option, but that will likely change when Josh Hader (biceps) returns to big-league action, which could happen by the end of May.

Teng (3-3) notched the victory over the Cubs on Saturday, allowing two hits and walking three batters while striking out six over six scoreless innings.

Teng tossed a season-high 89 pitches (56 strikes) while completing six frames for the first time as a major-leaguer. The right-hander also recorded his second straight win and has now thrown 11 scoreless innings while allowing just four hits and registering a 13:7 K:BB over his past two starts. Teng has moved into Houston's six-man rotation this month and has gradually increased his pitch count with the aim of remaining a starter long-term. He's tentatively stated to next take the mound at home versus Milwaukee.

Suarez isn't in the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader versus the Cardinals, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Suarez went 0-for-2 with a walk during Cincinnati's 8-1 loss in the first half of Saturday's twin bill, and he'll get a chance to rest during the nightcap. JJ Bleday will work as the Reds' designated hitter while TJ Friedl, Blake Dunn and Will Benson start across the outfield.

Steer isn't in the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against St. Louis, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Steer will stay put in the dugout during the second half of Saturday's festivities after going 0-for-2 with a walk in Game 1. His absence will afford Nathaniel Lowe another start at first base.

Stephenson isn't in the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Cardinals, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

After going 0-for-3 with a strikeout during a 9-1 loss in Game 1, Stephenson will move to the bench for Game 2 while P.J. Higgins starts behind the plate.

Mitchell (back) isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Mitchell was taken out of Wednesday's game against the Cubs due to back tightness, and Saturday will be the second game in a row he's missed. The Brewers haven't indicated the speedy outfielder will need a trip to the injured list, though that could become an option if he doesn't return soon. Milwaukee will start Jake Bauers, Jackson Chourio and Sal Frelick across the outfield Saturday.