MLB Player News

The Padres optioned Batten to Triple-A El Paso on Saturday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Batten was called up by the Padres on April 16 and went 1-for-3 with a triple the following day against the Brewers. Batten's move to Triple-A El Paso makes room for San Diego to call up Graham Pauley, who will start at third base Saturday against the Blue Jays.

Pauley is starting at third base and batting ninth in Saturday's contest against the Blue Jays, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Pauley started the season in the majors due to Manny Machado being limited to DH duties with an elbow injury. Pauley went 2-for-15 with one home run and three RBI before being optioned to Triple-A El Paso on April 9. He's had better success in the minors, slashing .290/.436/.677 with four home runs and 11 RBI over 39 plate appearances in Triple-A. Pauley will hope to bring some of that production from El Paso to his second big-league stint. The Padres optioned Matthew Batten to make room for Pauley, per Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Benson is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Angels.

With the Angels sending left-hander Patrick Sandoval to the mound Saturday, Bubba Thompson will start in right field and bat ninth. Benson has started in each of the Reds' last five games, going 3-for-17 with five walks and three stolen bases over that span.

Encarnacion-Strand (illness) is starting at first base and batting fifth in Saturday's game against the Angels.

Encarnacion-Strand had missed the Reds' last two games due to an illness. He and third baseman Jeimer Candelario are back in Saturday's starting lineup and will face Angels left-hander Patrick Sandoval.

Candelario (illness) is starting at third base and hitting in the cleanup spot for Saturday's game against the Angels.

Candelario has missed the Reds' last three games after he was a late scratch for Tuesday's game against the Mariners due to an illness. Candelario and first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand will both return to the starting lineup Saturday against Angels left-hander Patrick Sandoval.

Miller (shoulder) said Saturday that he's going to start playing catch either Monday or Tuesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Miller was placed on the 15-day IL on April 13 due to inflammation in his right shoulder. He's been limited to plyometric work since then, but it appears he could start throwing again as soon as Monday. Miller has gone 1-1 over three starts this season, posting a 5.40 ERA and 1.46 WHIP over 11.2 innings while recording 18 strikeouts.

Baty (hamstring) is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers, but he said that he believes he can be available off the bench, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Baty has missed the Mets' last two games after experiencing left hamstring tightness in Tuesday's game against the Pirates. Baty admitted he isn't at full strength, but feels that he is close enough to be able to contribute off the bench if needed. Joey Wendle will start at third base Saturday and bat eighth against Dodgers right-hander Gavin Stone.

Smith is not in the Dodgers' lineup Saturday against the Mets.

Smith will get a breather after starting in the series opener Friday, when he went 2-for-4 with a double, one run and one walk. Austin Barnes will start behind the plate and bat ninth against Mets right-hander Jose Butto.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza revealed Saturday that Alvarez is undergoing additional testing on his left thumb, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez was diagnosed with a left thumb sprain after undergoing an MRI following Friday's game against the Dodgers. The initial scan didn't reveal any ligament tear or break, but there is concern that there is more to the sprain, and Mendoza noted that Alvarez is expected to miss more than 10 days with the injury. While Alvarez continues to be evaluated, Omar Narvaez will serve as the Mets' top catcher while Tomas Nido fills in as the backup.

Treinen (chest) faced live hitters ahead of Saturday's game against the Mets, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted Friday that a rehab assignment could follow shortly after Treinen's session Saturday. Treinen started the season on the 15-day injured list after he sustained a bruised lung during spring training. The 35-year-old right-hander last pitched in the majors in 2022 when he posted a 1.80 ERA and 0.40 WHIP over five innings with Los Angeles.