MLB Player News

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.

The Reds activated Hays (calf) from the 10-day injured list Tuesday.

Hays is ready to make his season/Reds debut after missing nearly the first three weeks of the season with a strained calf. The 29-year-old is expected to see the bulk of the starts in left field for Cincinnati.

The Reds activated Diaz (hamstring) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday.

Diaz has been shelved with a strained hamstring that threw his mechanics out of whack, but he's been deemed ready to go after making five rehab appearances with Triple-A Louisville. The reliever was tagged for four runs (three earned) on six hits and four walks while striking out eight over five innings during the stint, so the Reds might not entrust Diaz with the closer job right out of the chute. That said, manager Terry Francona has indicated a desire for Diaz to regain his closer job, so the 28-year-old looks like the best bet for saves in the Reds' bullpen over the long haul.