MLB Player News

Hoeing (shoulder) began a rehab assignment Saturday with the Padres' rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate, retiring one batter while allowing three earned runs on three hits.

Hoeing currently resides on the Padres' 60-day injured list and won't be eligible for activation until late May. The 28-year-old reliever -- who is recovering from a right shoulder strain -- will likely make at least a couple more appearances in the ACL before shifting his rehab assignment to a higher-level affiliate.

Encarnacion (hand) went 2-for-3 with an RBI double and a run scored in Triple-A Sacramento's 7-5 win over Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday.

After fracturing his left hand in mid-March and being placed on the 60-day IL on April 19, Encarnacion drew the starting nod at first base during his first rehab appearance. The 27-year-old could see the bulk of his playing time at first base when he returns to the Giants, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. Encarnacion is on track to return as soon as he's eligible May 26, per MLB.com.

Marte will serve as the Mets' designated hitter and No. 6 batter in Sunday's game against the Cubs.

Marte had been occupying the short side of a platoon at DH with Jesse Winker (oblique) until the latter landed on the injured list Monday. Winker's absence hasn't opened up additional playing time for Marte though, as the veteran has been on the bench for each of the Mets' last three matchups against a right-handed starter. He'll get the nod Sunday versus southpaw Matthew Boyd, but manager Carlos Mendoza looks like he'll rotate other players through the DH spot against righties until Winker returns.

Benson started in right field and went 1-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 13-9 win over the Astros.

Benson made his first start since being called up Friday. The lefty batter stepped in for the injured Jake Fraley (calf) and likely will see opportunities whenever the Reds face a right-handed pitcher. Benson and recent trade acquisition Connor Joe may platoon in right field while Fraley is unavailable.

Stephenson started at catcher and went 2-for-4 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 13-9 victory over Houston.

Stephenson, who was activated off the 10-day injured list May 2, has alternated between catcher and DH since returning from an oblique injury. Saturday's start behind the plate marked the first time he's caught in back-to-back games. Stephenson is batting .233 with six walks, three doubles, a home run, five RBI, four runs scored and a 41.7 strikeout rate over nine contests since his return.

Alvarez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

Alvarez will receive a breather while the Mets close out their series versus the Cubs with a day game after a night game. Luis Torrens will replace Alvarez behind the dish, forming a battery with starting pitcher Griffin Canning.

McNeil is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

Since being activated from the 10-day injured list April 24, McNeil is hitting just .237, though he's provided some pop with four extra-base hits (two home runs, two triples) in 43 plate appearances. McNeil will hit the bench with the Cubs sending southpaw Matthew Boyd to the hill, but he should continue to start against most right-handed pitchers while bouncing between second base, left field and center field.

Turner is serving as the designated hitter and batting eighth in Sunday's game against the Mets.

Turner is serving as Chicago's DH for the second straight game, as Seiya Suzuki handles left field in the absence of Ian Happ (oblique). Turner has yet to really get going this season, slashing just .161/.269/.161 across 23 games. The veteran is also still looking for his first home run in a Cubs uniform.

Baty is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

Though he'll hit the bench against Cubs southpaw Matthew Boyd, Baty appears to be pushing Mark Vientos for a regular spot in the lineup at third base versus right-handed pitching. Baty started each of the prior three games and went 4-for-12 with three home runs and six RBI, while Vientos made just one start at designated hitter during that stretch.

Joe started in left field and went 2-for-4 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 13-9 win over the Astros.

In his Cincinnati debut, Joe got the start in left field over Austin Hays, who recently returned from the injured list and is being brought back on a slower pace. Joe was acquired him from the Padres on Friday and was added to the 26-man roster this weekend along with Will Benson (lefty), giving the Reds a potential platoon in right field in place of the injured Jake Fraley (calf).