MLB Player News

Encarnacion-Strand started at third base and went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Wednesday's spring game against the White Sox.

Encarnacion-Strand belted his fourth Cactus League homer and is 12-for-41 (.293) with eight extra-base hits and 12 RBI through 13 games. While he started at the hot corner Wednesday, and third baseman Noelvi Marte (suspension) will miss the first 80 games of the season, Encarnacion-Strand is still expected to be the team's everyday first baseman. Jeimer Candelario will be the primary third baseman to open the season.

Steer started at second base and went 1-for-4 in Wednesday's spring game against the Rangers.

Steer made a third consecutive start at second base in the wake of Matt McLain's shoulder injury, which will land him on the injured list to start the season. The Reds have other options for the keystone, including Jonathan India and Santiago Espinal, who was acquired via trade Wednesday. Steer had been scheduled to see most of his time in the outfield this season, but McLain's injury and third baseman Noelvi Marte's 80-game suspension could alter the outfield plans for Steer.

Mountcastle (neck) is starting at first base and batting cleanup in Wednesday's spring game against the Phillies, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

The 27-year-old hasn't been in the lineup since Friday due to neck stiffness, but he's ready to rejoin the starting nine Wednesday. The fact Mountcastle is playing defense instead of just serving as the designated hitter indicates there's not much concern over the injury.

Alonso went 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

The first baseman has had a strong spring at the plate, batting .289 (11-for-38) with seven of his hits (two homers, five doubles) going for extra bases, plus a 7:11 BB:K. Strikeouts will always be part of the package with Alonso, but his .217 batting average in 2023 was the very bottom of his expected range thanks to a .205 BABIP that was 74 points lower than his 2022 mark. Despite his struggles making consistent contact, he still slugged at least 40 homers for the second straight campaign and the third time in his four full MLB seasons. Alonso will again hit in the heart of the Mets' order and should be one of the most reliable power hitters available for fantasy GMs.

Flores was scratched from the Giants' Cactus League lineup Wednesday due to knee soreness, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

When asked about the injury, Flores said, "it's nothing," so it seems safe to say he should be back in there in a day or two. LaMonte Wade will slide in at first base in Flores' absence.

The Astros optioned Cabbage to Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday, Chandler Rome of The Athleticreports.

The 26-year-old was acquired by the Astros from the Angels in late January, and he's now set to begin 2024 at the Triple-A level. Cabbage had a .553 OPS in 22 games for the Halos last season but spent most of the campaign at Triple-A Salt Lake, where he slashed .306/.379/.596 with 30 homers and 32 steals in 107 contests.

The Phillies optioned Hall to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

With Bryce Harper now handling first base and Kyle Schwarber settling in at designated hitter, Hall's future with the Phillies looks cloudy. For now, he'll represent depth at Lehigh Valley.

The Rangers prefer to use a platoon of Walsh and Ezequiel Duran at first base while Nathaniel Lowe (oblique) is sidelined, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

The Duran part of the platoon will be in effect only if he's not needed to fill in at shortstop for Corey Seager (groin), but for now there's optimism Seager will be ready. Walsh appears set to start at first base versus righties initially either way, as he's had an impressive camp as a non-roster invitee in slashing .286/.419/.571 with three home runs. It could just be a short-term gig for Walsh, although if he gets off to a nice start he might be an option at designated hitter after Lowe returns.

Schanuel (back) has reported improvement but remains out of the Angels' lineup Tuesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Schanuel was a late scratch Monday with back tightness and will sit out an additional contest Tuesday. He could return to action as soon as Wednesday. Schanuel is slashing .244/.311/.366 with one home run in 16 Cactus League games.

Votto (ankle) will take batting practice on the field Tuesday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Votto rolled his right ankle in the dugout Sunday and has been receiving treatment. There's no timetable for when he'll be ready for games again, but the fact that he's been cleared for on-field BP is a good sign. Votto is expected to begin the season at Triple-A Buffalo.