MLB Player News

Ford went 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBI in Monday's 6-5 loss to Arizona.

Ford made a significant contribution for a second consecutive game. After a game-tying, eighth-inning home run in Sunday's loss to the Giants, Ford hit a game-tying single in the sixth then a go-ahead triple in the eighth Monday. Cincinnati's offense has struggled, so if Ford's bat gets going, he could land a semi-regular role until Christian Encarnacion-Strand (wrist) returns.

Candelario went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored in Monday's 6-5 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Candelario, who has multiple hits in three of the last six games, is heating up. He's 9-for-24 during that stretch with two doubles, a home run and six RBI. The resurrected bat prompted a move up the order to fifth, after Candelario spent time in the lower third since mid-April.

Ginkel allowed two runs on two hits and a walk over one inning, picking up a blown save in Monday's 6-5 win over Cincinnati.

Ginkel failed to hold an eighth-inning lead for a second consecutive appearance. He's allowed runs in three of the last four outings, all since he slid back from closer to a setup role.

Newman went 4-for-5 with two doubles and two RBI in Monday's 6-5 win over the Reds.

Newman ended the night with a walk-off, two-run single off Cincinnati closer Alexis Diaz, who had hit a batter and walked two before the shortstop played hero. It was the third consecutive game with multiple hits for Newman, who is 8-for-12 with four doubles, a triple, two RBI and four runs scored during that stretch. He's added 74 points to his batting average -- from .179 to .253 -- due to this outburst and is more in line with his career mark of .259. He had become the team's primary shortstop, because his glove was more reliable than rookie Blaze Alexander. Newman should continue to serve that role until Geraldo Perdomo (knee) is ready, which is expected to be at some point in June.

Leahy (1-1) struck out three over 2.2 perfect innings to earn the win Monday over Angels.

Starter Matthew Liberatore labored through 3.1 innings, while Leahy was sharp and kept the Cardinals' deficit at four runs. The team's offense made a rare explosion with eight runs in the seventh inning, and they held the lead the rest of the way to get Leahy his first big-league win. The right-hander has a 5.59 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 7:3 K:BB over 9.2 innings through five appearances as a long reliever this season. With Liberatore still not stretched out as a starter, Leahy could continue to piggyback him while Steven Matz (back) is on the injured list.

Diaz (1-2) allowed two runs on a hit, a hit batsman and two walks without striking out a batter in one-third of an inning to take the loss and a blown save Monday versus the Diamondbacks.

Diaz loaded the bases with back-to-back one-out walks, and Kevin Newman delivered the walk-off two-run single. This was Diaz's first blown save since his season debut, but he's hardly been dominant lately, allowing seven runs with a 5:6 K:BB over his last 3.2 innings. The closer has a 6.75 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 16:12 K:BB while converting seven of nine save chances through 14.2 innings on the year.

Ashcraft allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out three over four innings in a no-decision versus the Diamondbacks on Monday.

Ashcraft worked a high pitch count, ending up with 94 pitches (55 strikes) through four frames. He gave up solo home runs to Gabriel Moreno and Joc Pederson, which made this the first time since his season debut that Ashcraft gave up multiple long balls. The 26-year-old is now at a 4.12 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 35:15 K:BB through 43.2 innings over eight starts. He's projected to make his next start on the road against the Dodgers.

Walker went 1-for-4 with a walk, one stolen base and two runs scored in Monday's 6-5 win over the Reds.

The steal was Walker's first of the year, which is a bit of a surprise since he stole 11 bases last season. He was caught stealing on his first two attempts in 2024. The first baseman has struggled in May, going 8-for-38 (.211) over 11 contests this month. He's still slashing a decent .265/.377/.437 with seven home runs, 27 RBI, 29 runs scored and five doubles over 42 contests overall.

Moreno went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, three walks and two total runs scored in Monday's 6-5 win over the Reds.

The homer was Moreno's first of the year, and this was the second game of the season in which he had multiple walks. He's gotten off to a slow start with the bat, hitting .248 through 33 contests, but he's made up for it with a 12.8 percent walk rate, easily the best of his career. Moreno has added 16 RBI, 12 runs scored, six doubles and a triple through 117 plate appearances while serving as Arizona's primary catcher.

Pederson went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Monday's 6-5 win over the Reds.

Pederson has gone 11-for-35 (.314) with three homers and a 2:14 BB:K over 11 games in May. The slugger is up to five homers, nine RBI, 16 runs scored and a .298/.414/.543 slash line through 117 plate appearances in a strong-side platoon role at designated hitter. The 32-year-old has started the year well, but his strict platoon role likely means his 30-homer campaigns of yesteryear are unlikely to return.