MLB Player News

Pirates manager Don Kelly said that Ashcraft will start Saturday's game against the Reds, Danny Demilio of PittsburghBaseballNow.com reports.

Ashcraft will be making his second start of the season after posting a 3.24 ERA and 1.38 WHIP across 33.1 innings with the Pirates while primarily serving as a middle reliever. The 25-year-old righty had been starting at Triple-A Indianapolis before being called up in late May, but since then, he's maxed out at three innings at the big-league level on three occasions. Additionally, Ashcraft will be taking the mound on three days' rest, so the Pirates are unlikely to let the right-hander work deep enough into Saturday's start to qualify for a win. With a strong showing against the Reds, Ashcraft could stick around in the rotation on a more permanent basis.

Santana earned the save in Friday's 3-2 win over the Reds, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning.

Santana was called on to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning and needed just eight pitches to close it out. It was an encouraging rebound after the 29-year-old blew his first save chance since taking over as the Pirates' closer Wednesday. On the season, he's 7-for-9 in save opportunities with a 2.52 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 40:11 K:BB across 50 innings.

Garcia was scratched from the lineup ahead of Friday's game against the Giants due to back tightness.

Garcia's back injury will force him to watch Friday's contest from the dugout. Jose Tena will enter the starting nine to fill the void at second base and bat eighth.

Roupp (elbow) threw a bullpen session Friday and could begin his rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Roupp is making good progress in his recovery from right elbow inflammation and will likely require just one or two rehab starts before he makes his return from the 15-day injured list. The right-hander posted a 3.11 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 95:42 K:BB across 101.1 innings prior to landing on the shelf July 25.

Encarnacion is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks due to a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Encarnacion will remain on the 10-day injured list well beyond his reinstatement eligibility date of Aug. 17 while he works through a right hamstring strain. A clearer timeline for his return should be established once he's cleared to resume baseball activities. Drew Gilbert is in line to see more work in the outfield for as long as Encarnacion is sidelined.

Adams isn't in the lineup for Friday's game against the Giants, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

After going 2-for-6 with a homer during Washington's last series against the A's, Adams will move to the bench for Friday's series opener in San Francisco. Drew Millas will pick up a start at catcher and bat seventh.

The Giants placed Encarnacion on the 10-day injured list Friday due to a right hamstring strain, retroactive to Thursday.

Encarnacion strained his hamstring while attempting to beat out an infield single in the seventh inning of Wednesday's game against the Pirates. It's his third stint on the IL this season, having previously been sidelined with a strained oblique and a fractured hand. It's unclear exactly how long Encarnacion will be sidelined, but the nature of his injury means he'll likely remain on the IL beyond the 10-day minimum. Drew Gilbert's contract was selected from Triple-A Sacramento in a corresponding move.

Flores (hamstring) isn't part of the starting lineup for Friday's game against Washington, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Flores has been tending to left hamstring tightness for the past week, and he's now being withheld from the starting nine for a sixth consecutive game. The Giants were hopeful their off day Thursday would help Flores recover, but he's not feeling well enough to play Friday. Dominic Smith will DH in place of Flores.

The Giants selected Gilbert's contract from Triple-A Sacramento on Friday.

Since coming over to the Giants organization as part of the trade that sent Tyler Rogers to the Mets, Gilbert has gone a cool 7-for-14 with two RBI, three runs scored and two steals over five games at Sacramento. With Jerar Encarnacion (hamstring) headed to the injured list, the 24-year-old Gilbert will now receive his first opportunity to prove himself in the majors while starting in right field against the Nationals on Friday. Daniel Johnson was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.

The Giants designated Johnson for assignment Friday.

San Francisco is selecting the contract of Drew Gilbert, and Johnson will depart the 40-man roster as a result. Johnson has slashed .278/.322/.519 in 199 plate appearances at Triple-A Sacramento. The 29-year-old will be available on waivers.