MLB Player News

Manager David Bell said Thursday that Senzel's (ankle) progress in his recovery has been encouraging, but the skipper noted the 23-year-old is at least a couple of weeks away from playing games at any level, Fletcher Page of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Senzel was recently cleared to shed his walking boot and resume working out, but he'll likely need until late April to work through a full progression of activities before the Reds clear him for action in simulated or rehab games. The Reds will likely ease Senzel into a rehab assignment by first sending him to a lower-level affiliate before he eventually makes his way to Triple-A Louisville, where he finished the past season. Assuming Senzel hits no snags in his recovery from the right ankle sprain while playing for Louisville, he may not stick around in the minors for long. His long-awaited promotion to Cincinnati could come at some point in May.

Chapman is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Orioles, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Chapman will be awarded his first day off of the season after submitting his second three-hit performance of the series in Wednesday's 10-3 victory. Chad Pinder will slide in at third base in Chapman's stead.

Senzel (ankle) has resumed baseball activities, though he's still a decent distance away from playing in games, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "Nick has been throwing long toss, has begun running on the field, hitting off a tee, completing lower body lifts and is working on change of direction in the pool," Reds president of baseball operations Dick Williams said on Wednesday. "We anticipate live at-bats [Thursday]. We are pleased with the progress."

Senzel will eventually play in Triple-A Louisville once he's activated from the minor-league injured list, and he'll need further time before even joining the big-league club. The Reds' offensive struggles in the outfield may heighten the scrutiny on the team for their decision to send him down, but at this juncture it's a moot point. One concern about Senzel is whether he'll continue to run once he returns: Not only is there a risk of re-injury, but he also hurt himself trying to steal in the first place.

Machado went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in a 3-1 victory against the Giants on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old has been on base a ton because of walks, but Machado has been a little show in most of the offensive categories. His three homers aren't bad, but Machado is hitting .244 with six RBI and seven runs through 45 at-bats. He also has one steal.

Chapman went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a home run, three RBI and three runs scored Wednesday against the Orioles.

Chapman exploded for three extra-base hits, the highlights being an RBI double in the third inning and a two-run home run in the seventh. He's enjoyed the team's road trip in Baltimore as he now has six hits in 13 at-bats across the the three-game series. Chapman has gotten off to a hot start this season, hitting .305/.397/.576 through 68 plate appearances.

Rendon went 2-for-4 with a double, three RBI and two runs scored Wednesday against the Phillies.

Rendon played a big role in the Nationals' offensive explosion, delivering a bases-loaded double in the fourth inning to account for all three of his RBI. That was already his seventh double of the season, which he has paired with four home runs. While he'll cool off at some point, Rendon has an impressive track record and should be expected to maintain a high level of performance.

Manager AJ Hinch said the Astros believe Bregman is dealing with a "minor" hamstring injury, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Bregman tweaked his hamstring while running the bases Tuesday against the Yankees. While he's out of the lineup Wednesday as a result, the infielder underwent some testing with a team physician and the Astros were apparently encouraged by the results. With an off-day Thursday, Bregman will have a shot to rejoin the lineup Friday against the Mariners.

Bregman (hamstring) is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Yankees, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Bregman tweaked his hamstring while running the bases late in Tuesday's contest. With a day off Thursday, he'll have a shot to return Friday against the Mariners. Yuli Gurriel slides over to third base in his absence, with Aledmys Diaz starting at first.

Anderson is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Reds.

Anderson is struggling at the plate through 11 games, slashing just .143/.217/.167 with a 28.3 percent strikeout rate, so he'll take a seat for the first time all season in an effort to clear his head. Martin Prado will start at the hot corner and hit seventh in his stead.

Arenado won't play Wednesday against the Braves with the contest being postponed due to inclement weather in Colorado, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Colorado and Atlanta will hold a make-up game Aug. 26. Arenado and the Rockies will return to action Thursday in San Francisco for the club's series opener with the Giants.