MLB Player News

Candelario started at third base and went 2-for-3 with a walk and three RBI in Thursday's 6-4 loss to San Francisco.

Candelario was part of crowded corner infield spots during spring training, but a late injury to outfielder Austin Hays (calf) led to Gavin Lux playing left field Thursday. That should give Candelario a near-daily role at third base, first base or DH in the early going. He underwhelmed overall at the plate in 2024, his first with the Reds, but he managed to hit the 20-homer mark for a second consecutive season.

Hernandez (illness) won't start but could be available off the bench Friday against the Tigers, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Hernandez is dealing with the flu and was not at the ballpark for Thursday's domestic home opener against the Tigers. His exact availability remains to be seen, though it sounds as if he is nearing a return to the club.

Steer started at designated hitter and went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Thursday's 6-4 loss to the Giants.

Steer was a surprise to open the season on the active roster, but an Austin Hays calf injury this week prompted a roster shuffle. Steer's shoulder kept him out most of spring training. and he managed to get just seven plate appearances. As such, there could be some rust early on.

Tinoco (1-0) was credited with the win for Thursday's game against Pittsburgh. He allowed one one walk and one hit while striking out a batter across one scoreless frame.

The 29-year-old right-hander was called from the bullpen for the top of the ninth inning, and after giving up a double and walk to Tommy Pham and Bryan Reynolds, respectively, Tinoco managed to escape the frame by striking out Joey Bart. It's worth noting that Tinoco got the call for the top of the ninth in a tie game instead of Calvin Faucher, suggesting the latter was being reserved for a potential save situation Friday.

Alcantara didn't factor into the decision in Thursday's game against the Pirates. He allowed two runs on two hits and four walks while striking out seven across 4.2 innings.

Alcantara was in total control through the first four innings of Opening Day, including the third frame when he followed up a leadoff walk with three consecutive strikeouts. The right-hander started the fifth inning strong with two straight punchouts, but he allowed the next three hitters to reach before giving up a two-run single to Bryan Reynolds to end his day. Despite the underwhelming finish, it was an encouraging season debut as Alcantara made his first MLB appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery late in 2023. He understandably showed some signs of rust but still generated 16 swinging strikes on 91 pitches.

Stowers went 1-for-3 with two walks, two strikeouts and the game-winning RBI single during Thursday's 5-4 win over Pittsburgh.

Stowers got off to a rough start on Opening Day with two strikeouts, but he was able to settle in and draw two walks on his next two plate appearances. He then followed up with an RBI single in the bottom of the ninth to walk off the Pirates. Stowers beat out Griffin Conine for the starting job in left field during spring training, and the former has gotten off to a solid start to his 2025 campaign.

Rodriguez went 0-for-3 with one walk and three strikeouts during Thursday's 5-4 loss to the Marlins.

Rodriguez got the start at first base Opening Day due to Spencer Horwitz (wrist) starting the season on the 10-day injured list. Rodriguez opened things up with a six-pitch walk in the third inning, but he proceeded to strike out in each of his next three plate appearances, the first two of which came on three pitches. The 24-year-old is serving as the backup catcher to Joey Bart but should also split time at first base with Jared Triolo until Horwitz is healthy.

Bednar (0-1) was charged with the loss in Thursday's contest against the Marlins after he allowed one earned run off two hits and one walk while failing to record an out.

Bednar was called out of the bullpen in the bottom of the ninth with the game tied 4-4, and he surrendered the lead on just eight pitches via a triple, an intentional walk and a single. The 30-year-old opened the season as Pittsburgh's presumed closer despite his 5.77 ERA last year, and though Thursday wasn't a save situation, his rocky start to 2025 puts him on even shakier ground.

Skenes didn't factor into the decision in Thursday's Opening Day game against the Marlins. He allowed two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out seven across 5.1 innings.

Skenes picked up where he left off from his 2024 NL Rookie of the Year campaign by striking out four of the first six batters he faced Thursday. He gave up single tallies in the third and sixth frames, the latter of which came on a passed ball after being replaced by Dennis Santana. Skenes was further let down by the bullpen in the eighth and ninth innings, costing him the win. A matchup with the Rays likely awaits next week for the right-hander.

Romo is not on the Triple-A Albuquerque roster to begin the season as he is being evaluated for a finger injury, Patrick Lyons of JustBaseball.com reports.

Romo entered spring training projected to make the Opening Day roster, though Hunter Goodman performed extremely well to claim the backup catcher job. The severity of the issue is unclear, but Romo should make an appearance in the majors at some point in 2025, assuming he isn't sidelined for a lengthy period.