MLB Player News

Benson isn't in the Reds' lineup for Saturday's matchup against the White Sox.

Southpaw Garrett Crochet will take the mound for Chicago, forcing the lefty-hitting Benson into the dugout to begin the game. Spencer Steer, Bubba Thompson and Stuart Fairchild will start across the Reds' outfield while Benson rests.

Stephenson isn't in the Reds' lineup for Saturday's game against the White Sox.

Stephenson will get a day off Saturday after going 1-for-4 with a home run and two runs scored during Friday's blowout victory. Luke Maile will start behind the dish instead while batting eighth.

Harvey (hand) struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Friday.

The right-hander was removed from his last appearance Tuesday after being struck by a comebacker on his glove hand, but Harvey looked 100 percent Friday as he fired 16 of 20 pitches for strikes. The 29-year-old has been the Nationals' best reliever to begin the season, posting a 2.84 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 11:1 K:BB through 6.1 innings with a win and four holds in six appearances, but manager Dave Martinez has so far preferred using Harvey as his high-leverage relief ace while leaving Kyle Finnegan in the closer role.

Finnegan (0-2) took the loss Friday, giving up an unearned run on a hit and a walk in the 10th inning against the A's. He struck out one.

The right-hander couldn't prevent the phantom runner from crossing the plate, even after intentionally walking Shea Langeliers to lead off the 10th to set up a potential double play. Finnegan has been shaky to start the season, posting a 6.75 ERA and 5:5 K:BB through 5.1 innings, but he's converted four of five save chances and his spot as the Nats' closer doesn't seem to be at risk for now.

Winker went 4-for-4 with a double and a solo home run in Friday's extra-inning loss to the A's.

The 30-year-old outfielder did everything he could to get the Nationals into the win column in a 2-1 loss, but the rest of the team only managed four hits combined. Winker is off to a blistering start to 2024, batting .361 (13-for-36) through 12 games with three doubles, a homer, a steal, three RBI and seven runs, but the lackluster lineup around him has limited his fantasy production.

Baty went 2-for-4 with a double, a run scored and two RBI in Friday's win over the Royals.

The 24-year-old third baseman has started to get a read on big-league pitching. Baty has hit safely in seven straight games and 11 of 13 to begin the season, slashing .327/.365/.408 with a homer, five runs and eight RBI. The power he flashed in the minors isn't showing up consistently yet, but it's likely only a matter of time until it does -- he slugged 10 homers in only 26 games last year at Triple-A.

Arcia went 3-for-5 with two doubles, two runs scored and an RBI in Friday's win over the Marlins.

it's the fourth time already this season that Arcia has collected three hits in a game. The shortstop is slashing .383/.431/.532 through 12 games, and while he's still looking for his first homer or steal of 2024, he has banged seven doubles while adding three RBI and seven runs scored.

Bader isn't in the Mets' lineup Saturday against the Royals.

Bader will get a day off after going 2-for-4 with a run scored and a stolen base in Friday's win. Brandon Nimmo will shift to center field in Bader's absence as Jeff McNeil moves to left field, allowing Joey Wendle to start at the keystone while batting ninth.

Alvarez isn't in the Mets' lineup for Saturday's contest against Kansas City.

Alvarez will get a breather after going 1-for-4 and scoring a run during Friday's win in the series opener. Omar Narvaez will fill in behind the dish and bat eighth.

The Reds optioned Spiers to Triple-A Louisville on Saturday.

Spiers will be squeezed off the MLB roster following the return of Nick Lodolo (calf) from the injured list Saturday. Spiers allowed four runs (three earned) in his lone appearance during his stint in the majors and could return to Cincinnati later this season to give the Reds' bullpen a fresh arm.