MLB Player News

Encarnacion-Strand went 3-for-5 with a home run, two total runs and four total RBI in a loss to the Pirates on Saturday.

Encarnacion-Strand put Cincinnati on the board with a two-run homer in the first inning. He added a run-scoring single in the second to help the team build an early 9-0 advantage. However, Pittsburgh came storming back to build a 13-9 lead before Encarnacion-Strand's eighth-inning single brought home another run to make the score 13-11. The rookie's big day ultimately went to waste, however, as the Pirates pulled off a one-run win. The four RBI were the most Encarnacion-Strand has recorded in a game thus far in his brief career. He's been on a power surge of late, knocking four homers over his past six games to give him 10 long balls on the season.

Rivas went 3-for-5 with a double, a run and five RBI in a 13-12 win over the Reds on Saturday.

After the Pirates fell behind 9-0 through three frames, Rivas put Pittsburgh on the board with an RBI single in the fourth. He then came through with two clutch hits later in the contest, clearing the bases and tying the score with a three-run double in the seventh and adding an RBI single in the eighth. The five RBI were one more than Rivas had collected in his previous 29 games combined coming into Saturday. This was also his first multi-hit game since Aug. 28.

Freeman went 2-for-5 with a double, one RBI and a stolen base in Saturday's 7-0 win over the Giants.

Freeman continues to provide surprising speed from a first baseman. He's up to five steals in September and a career-high 22 this season. For the year, the 34-year-old has added an impressive .334/.411/.563 slash line, 26 home runs, 96 RBI, 125 runs scored and 57 doubles through 153 contests. Freeman's .974 OPS ranks sixth in the majors.

Wade isn't in the Giants' lineup Saturday against the Dodgers, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Lefty Clayton Kershaw will start on the mound for Los Angeles, sending Wade to the bench to begin Saturday's contest. Wilmer Flores will start at first base and bat fourth in Wade's place.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Saturday he believes Mountcastle (shoulder) will be able to return from the injured list when first eligible, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Mountcastle landed on the 10-day IL last Wednesday (retroactive to Sept. 17) with inflammation in his left shoulder. He stood in and took pitches during a Felix Bautista (elbow) bullpen session Saturday, and the first baseman has begun fielding grounders as well. Mountcastle won't be eligible to return from the injured list until Wednesday, but it's encouraging to see him trending in the right direction.

Calhoun isn't in the Guardians' lineup Saturday versus the Orioles.

As lefty John Means prepares to start for Baltimore, Calhoun will retreat to the bench. Jose Ramirez will assume the DH role Saturday while Tyler Freeman starts at third base.

Porter isn't in the Royals' lineup Saturday versus Houston

Porter will take a seat after going 2-for-14 with a homer over his last six games. Tyler Cropley will start behind the dish instead while batting seventh.

Votto will sit Saturday against the Pirates.

Votto will sit against lefty Bailey Falter, meaning he's now sat against three of the last four southpaws the Reds have faced. Spencer Steer will start at first base.

Kirilloff will be on the bench for Saturday's game against the Angels, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

The Twins made several changes to the lineup after clinching a playoff berth Friday night, though Kirilloff may have been on the bench either way with lefty Kenny Rosenberg starting for Los Angeles. Jordan Luplow gets the start at first base.

Candelario (back) resumed baseball activities Friday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Candelario is already eligible to return from the injured list after suffering a lower-back strain in mid-September. He had slumped to a .083/.227/.278 line in the 13 games prior to hitting the injured list, however, so the Cubs will want to make sure he's right before activating him.