MLB Player News

Encarnacion-Strand is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Phillies.

The 25-year-old started the previous four games and has been a lineup regular since returning from lower-back inflammation in early June, but Noelvi Marte's (oblique) activation from the injured list Friday leaves Cincinnati with a crowded infield. Encarnacion-Strand has a .723 OPS since coming back from his injury and could be the odd man out for the Reds, though he still seems likely to receive semi-regular starts.

Steer (hand) is starting at first base and batting fifth Friday against the Phillies.

Steer had X-rays on his right hand come back negative after being hit by a pitch Wednesday during the conclusion of a suspended game, and he's been cleared to start Friday's series opener in Philadelphia. The 27-year-old finished June strong and is batting .408 (20-for-49) with three doubles, a triple, five homers and two stolen bases across his past 13 contests.

The Reds optioned Vilade to Triple-A Louisville on Friday.

Vilade was called up by Cincinnati in late June and saw the field once as a defensive replacement during his brief time in the majors. The 26-year-old played in seven major-league games for St. Louis earlier in the campaign prior to being claimed by the Reds and went 1-for-13 with two walks, a run and five strikeouts.

The Reds activated Ashcraft (groin) from the 15-day injured list Friday.

The right-hander landed on the shelf in mid-June due to a groin strain and will rejoin the big-league bullpen without needing a minor-league rehab assignment. In his first season as a reliever, Ashcraft has a 4.19 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 38:14 K:BB across 34.1 innings while recording nine holds.

The Reds reinstated Marte (oblique) from the 10-day injured list, and he's starting at third base and batting seventh Friday against the Phillies.

Marte has been sidelined by an oblique strain since early May but is back on the active roster after going 10-for-30 with two homers and a triple during a nine-game rehab assignment. The 23-year-old has seen action in just 19 big-league games so far this season but has been productive when available with three homers, 17 RBI and an .857 OPS in 73 plate appearances.

Gurriel went 1-for-4 with a double in Thursday's 7-2 loss to San Francisco.

The Diamondbacks mustered just three hits off Giants lefty Robbie Ray in the loss. Gurriel had hits in all four games of the series against San Francisco, including two home runs, and the double extended his hit streak to five contests. Gurriel is tied for third on the club with 16 doubles and sports a .251/.299/.422 slash line over 81 games.

Tawa started at first base and went 0-for-3 in a 7-2 loss to the Giants.

Tawa filled in for Josh Naylor, who was held out against San Francisco lefty Robbie Ray. Naylor, who recently experienced neck stiffness, had just returned to the starting lineup Wednesday as the designated hitter, and the decision to sit him Thursday does not appear to be injury related. Tawa has gone hitless over his last 24 at-bats while striking 10 times (41.7 percent strikeout rate).

The Nationals optioned Millas to Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

The 27-year-old will head back to Rochester since Keibert Ruiz has recovered from his concussion. Millas appeared in three games during his week-plus in the majors and went 1-for-7 with a double, an RBI and two runs.

Washington recalled Loutos from Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

The right-hander was optioned to Rochester on Thursday but will end up sticking with the Nationals as Trevor Williams (elbow) heads to the injured list. Loutos has given up six earned runs with a 2:5 K:BB over 4.1 frames in six outings with Washington this year.

The Nationals placed Williams (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Friday due to a right elbow sprain.

It's unclear when the injury first surfaced for the right-hander, but he surrendered a season-high seven runs during his start against the Tigers on Wednesday. Williams will be eligible to return right after the All-Star break, though a longer absence wouldn't be surprising given the nature of the injury.