MLB Player News

Senzel took to the leadoff position quite well Monday, homering to lead off both the first and second innings to key the Reds' 12-4 romp over the Giants.

Senzel and the Reds jumped on Giants starter Drew Pomeranz right away, scoring five runs in the first, and this time held onto the lead. Don't be surprised if Senzel is batting leadoff again Wednesday when the Reds face A's lefty Brett Anderson.

Longoria (shoulder) is still on the bench Monday against the Reds, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Reports on Sunday suggested that Longoria may need at least one more day, and that winds up being true. He's still considered day-to-day. Pablo Sandoval starts again at third base.

Senzel will start in center field and serve as the Reds' leadoff man in Monday's game against the Giants.

The Reds are facing a southpaw (Drew Pomeranz) in the series finale with San Francisco, so Monday's lineup shouldn't be viewed as an indication that Senzel has permanently moved into the top spot in the order. That said, the early returns from the rookie have been promising, as he's compensated for a 2-for-11 start to his MLB career with a 4:2 BB:K. If Senzel can continue to get on base at a healthy clip, it's not hard to envision him settling in as the Reds' full-time table setter, given the speed upgrade he would provide over Joey Votto in that capacity.

Manager Rocco Baldelli acknowledged that Astudillo (hamstring) isn't certain to be activated from the 10-day injured list Wednesday when first eligible, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. "We'd like to get [Astudillo] outside and take some ground balls," Baldelli said. "That has been difficult, with the field being tarped and not being able to do that. I really don't have any new news on that because he's really done everything we've needed him to do in the training room...I can't tell you when he's coming off the IL. I can't tell you it's going to be 10 days, but I don't think it's going to be that long."

While Baldelli's comments suggest Astudillo won't require a minor-league rehab assignment before returning from the IL, it's clear the Twins want the 27-year-old to put in some more activity to prove his left hamstring is no longer an issue. The poor weather in the Midwest has complicated matters, but Astudillo should ramp up his workouts early this week before the Twins pinpoint a date for his activation. Hayes suggested that Saturday's doubleheader with the Tigers may be a more realistic target for Astudillo to return than Wednesday's series finale in Toronto.

Farmer hit a pinch-hit homer in Sunday's loss to the Giants.

The homer was Farmer's fifth of the year and second in three days. It was also his first pinch-hit blast, which is important as many of his chances in the future are going to come as a pinch hitter.

Bregman went 2-for-5 with a grand slam in Sunday's 10-4 win over the Angels.

Bregman put Houston on top with a fifth-inning grand slam, and his team wouldn't lose the lead. He's hit four homers during his current three-game home run streak, racking up six hits and nine RBI during that span.

Rendon (elbow) could return from the injured list when first eligible Tuesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

The Nationals initially hesitated putting Rendon on the injured list but were compelled to do so after the swelling in his bruised left elbow failed to go away quickly. Rendon felt good after taking batting practice Saturday and took another round Sunday, suggesting his elbow has healed as anticipated.

Urshela will start at third base and bat seventh Sunday against the Twins, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Urshela is making his third start in four games, but he'll likely have to settle for more of a part-time role moving forward after Miguel Andujar (shoulder) returned from the 10-day injured list Saturday. Andujar will serve as the Yankees' designated hitter Sunday, but he played third base in his return to the lineup a day earlier and is expected to be a mainstay at the hot corner if his torn right labrum doesn't present too many issues with his throwing.

Longoria is considered day-to-day with left shoulder inflammation, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Longoria was scratched from Saturday's lineup due to the issue and sits Sunday as well. He may remain on the bench Monday, but the Giants don't appear to be anticipating a trip to the injured list at this point.

Longoria (shoulder) remains out Sunday against Cincinnati, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Longoria was scratched Saturday with a left shoulder issue and will sit for at least one more game. His return timeline remains unclear, though he was reportedly available off the bench Saturday, which points to a short absence. Pablo Sandoval gets another start at third base.