MLB Player News

Reds manager Terry Francona indicated Tuesday that Pagan will continue to serve as the team's primary closer for now even after Alexis Diaz's return from the injured list, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

Francona has suggested previously that he wants Diaz to get his closer job back, but he plans to ease the reliever back into high-leverage work. Pagan holds a 1.23 ERA and has successfully converted all four of his save opportunities thus far. While Diaz should get another crack at the ninth inning if he pitches well, fantasy managers should hang on to Pagan for the time being.

Double-A Springfield transferred Hjerpe (elbow) from the 7-day injured list to the full season injured list Tuesday.

Hjerpe recently underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery, which is certainly notable after the 24-year-old dealt with elbow issues last season and didn't pitch after July 2. He was given a clean bill of health over the offseason, but he'd yet to pitch in the minors early on this season. Hjerpe will miss another full season and has been limited to just 93.1 innings since being selected in the first round of the 2022 First-Year Player Draft.

Reds manager Terry Francona said Tuesday that Diaz will not be the team's set closer, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

The skipper plans to use Diaz, who was activated from the 15-day injured list Tuesday, "when it makes sense." There's a good chance Diaz will eventually get his closer job back if he pitches well, but Francona has been pleased with Emilio Pagan's performance and it sounds like Pagan will continue serving as the club's primary closer for the time being.

Scott is not in the lineup for Tuesday's contest against the Astros.

Scott has been in a mini-funk at the dish, going 3-for-17 with six strikeouts over his last five games. Michael Siani is getting the start in center field and batting ninth for the Cardinals.

Steer is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mariners.

Steer remains limited to designated-hitter duty and Austin Hays is getting the start there in his first game back from the injured list. Steer has been ramping up his throwing lately, so it's possible he could be ready to play the field soon.

Encarnacion-Strand (back/hamstring) will start at first base and bat seventh in Tuesday's game versus the Mariners.

Encarnacion-Strand missed the last two contests due to back and hamstring soreness, but he's feeling well enough to give it a go in Tuesday's series opener. The 25-year-old is scuffling in the early going this season with just a .498 OPS over his first 13 games.

The Reds optioned Marte to Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old was called up last week and appeared in three games during his brief time in the majors, going 1-for-6 with a walk, a stolen base and two runs scored. Marte is heading back to the minors with Matt McLain (hamstring) making his return from the injured list Tuesday.

The Reds optioned Hurtubise to Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday.

Hurtubise won an Opening Day roster spot but has played sparingly, managing just one hit in seven at-bats. The 27-year-old is clearing out to make room in the outfield for the return of Austin Hays (calf) from the injured list.

The Reds reinstated McLain (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list Tuesday.

The 25-year-old has been sidelined since April 4 due to the hamstring strain, but he's ready to rejoin the active roster after a brief stay on the injured list. Prior to the injury, McLain had yet to find much consistency with a .214 average through 31 plate appearances, though he flashed his power with three home runs.

Bride was designated for assignment by the Marlins on Tuesday.

Bride was removed from the 40-man roster in order to make room for Jesus Sanchez and his return from the 10-day injured list. Bride was off to a rough start this season, slashing .100/.200/.100 with zero extra-base hits, two RBI, three runs scored and a 5:15 BB:K across 45 plate appearances. Bride hit right-handed pitching well in 2024, slashing .302/.364/.550 with a .248 ISO, .382 wOBA and 144 wRC+ spanning 173 trips to the plate. The 29-year-old will look to get his bat going in the minors.