MLB Player News

Lewis (knee) could return during the Mariners' homestand that runs from April 16-20, Corey Brock of The Athletic reports.

Lewis has continued to hit in the batting cage at T-Mobile Park in recent days and is progressing in his recovery. While he won't travel with the team in the coming week, the 25-year-old has a better timetable for his season debut as long as his recovery continues to go well. Taylor Trammell and Braden Bishop should continue to see increased playing time in center field in Lewis' absence.

Carpenter will start at second base and bat fifth Wednesday against the Marlins, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Cardinals manager Mike Shildt may have cut bait with the platoon of Justin Williams and Austin Dean in right field, as Tommy Edman will cover the position for the second day in a row. Edman's move to the outfield will open up the keystone for Carpenter, who picked up his first start in Tuesday's 4-2 win. He went hitless in three at-bats to continue his rough stretch at the plate that has lasted since spring training, but Shildt looks like he may give the veteran the chance to work his way out of the prolonged slump. Carpenter is helped by the fact that Williams and Dean have combined to go 0-for-17 with 10 strikeouts so far this season.

Mercedes isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against Seattle.

Mercedes recorded hits in each of his first five games of the season and went 13-for-23 with four extra-base hits, four runs, six RBI and three strikeouts during that time. However, Zack Collins will take his place as the designated hitter Wednesday, batting fifth.

Dickerson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Padres, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Along with Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford, Dickerson is one of three lefty-hitting regulars who will take a seat in the series finale with southpaw Blake Snell on the bump for San Diego. Darin Ruf will fill in for Dickerson in left field.

Belt is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Padres, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

With a tough southpaw in Blake Snell on the bump for San Diego, the lefty-hitting Belt will bow out of the starting nine for the series finale. Wilmer Flores will make his second start of the series at first base in place of Belt.

Manager David Bell said that Winker (illness) will take part in baseball activities during a pregame workout Wednesday before a determination is made on whether he'll be available off the bench in the Reds' series finale with the Pirates, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Even if the Reds elect not to use Winker for a fourth straight game, the 27-year-old would still appear on track to re-enter the starting nine for Friday's series opener in Arizona. Tyler Naquin will continue to work in left field for Winker after slugging three home runs and driving in 10 over the past three games.

Buxton (illness) will start in center field and bat fifth Wednesday against the Tigers, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Though Buxton was held out of the starting nine for a second straight day Tuesday while he dealt with an illness, he erased any concern about his health by entering the game in the fifth inning and delivering a solo home run across two at-bats in the Twins' 4-3 loss. Now that he's feeling healthy again, Buxton should be able to play center field on an everyday basis.

Rooker was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday due to a cervical strain, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Rooker was slated to start in left field against the Tigers on Wednesday, but he's apparently dealing with a neck injury that will force him to miss at least 10 days. Left-hander Brandon Waddell's contract was selected by Minnesota in a corresponding move. It's not yet clear when Rooker will be able to return.

Winker (illness) remains out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates.

Manager David Bell will keep Winker on the bench for a fourth straight day while he continues to work through an illness. The Reds have an off day on tap Thursday, which could provide Winker with enough time to get closer to 100 percent health ahead of a weekend series in Arizona.

Solak went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and a run scored in Tuesday's 7-4 victory over Toronto.

Both of Solak's steals came following his third-inning single, though he was ultimately stranded at third base. The 26-year-old swiped seven bags in eight attempts last season and stole 21 bases at Double-A in 2018, so he can be a contributor in that category if he's able to reach base consistently.