MLB Player News

Scott (0-2) took the loss Monday against the Angels, giving up a run on three walks in one inning without striking out a batter.

The control issues that beset Scott during spring training haven't gone away to begin the regular season. The southpaw entered a 4-4 tie in the top of the eighth inning and immediately walked the first three batters he faced, tossing only 14 of 27 pitches for strikes. Through his first three appearances of 2024, Scott has stumbled to a 5:6 K:BB in 3.0 innings -- when the 0-5 Marlins eventually do start building late leads to protect, he may have a very short leash as the closer. Anthony Bender, who has a 5:1 K:BB through his first 2.2 innings this season, might be the top candidate to replace him in the ninth inning at the moment given Andrew Nardi's early 20.25 ERA.

McCutchen went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a walk Monday against the Nationals.

McCutchen struck out in five of his first nine plate appearances of the season and was out of the lineup both Saturday and Sunday. He returned to bat fourth Monday and struck out two additional times, though he also managed his first hits of the new campaign -- including a key RBI knock in the eighth inning. The Pirates' lineup is deeper than last season when McCutchen was a regular, but he'll likely get plenty of time to get his bat up to speed.

Bryant went 0-for-4 with a strikeout Monday against the Cubs.

Bryant has been in Colorado's lineup in four of five games to begin the season, batting either second or third. He's gotten off to a tough start, as he's hitless through 16 plate appearances while striking out eight times. The Rockies will begin a home series Friday against the Rays, which may offer Bryant the chance to get on track.

Taylor went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored Monday against the Nationals.

Taylor has started four of Pittsburgh's first five games in center field while hitting either eighth or ninth. He's fit well in that role, maintaining a .471 batting average and .588 slugging percentage across 21 plate appearances. Taylor has benefited from some good fortune when putting the ball in play, but he should remain locked into a starting role thanks to his defense.

Jefferies was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Monday.

Jefferies was clobbered for nine runs (five earned) over two innings in a spot start Sunday in San Diego and now finds himself back in the minors. He dealt with hip soreness during the outing, but the fact that Jefferies was optioned and not placed on the injured list suggests the hip is a non-issue. He'll go into Sacramento's rotation.

Thompson entered as a pinch runner, stole a base and scored a run in Monday's 6-3 extra-inning win over the Phillies.

Thompson pinch-ran for Luke Maile as the designated runner to start the 10th inning and immediately stole third base before trotting home on Spencer Steer's grand slam. It was the third consecutive game in which Thompson entered as a pinch runner and stole a base. The role suits the speedy Thompson, who has a .286 on-base percentage during his time in the majors. It appears this will be his job for as long as TJ Friedl (wrist) remains sidelined.

De La Cruz went 1-for-5 with a stolen base in Monday's 6-3 extra-inning win over Philadelphia.

De La Cruz has one hit in all four games to start the season and has also stolen two bases (caught once) thus far. He also struck out four times Monday and has been punched out nine times in 17 plate appearances.

Benson started in right field and went 0-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base in Monday's 6-3 extra-inning win over the Phillies.

Benson stole his first base of the season after logging 19 thefts in 2023. Monday's start was notable in that the lefty-hitting Benson has been in the lineup for both games when the Reds have faced a southpaw. He batted .146 with a .400 OPS over 44 plate appearances against left-handers in 2023, but it appears the Reds are trying to make him an everyday player in 2024. Other than Monday's walk, Benson struck out three times and is 1-for-4 against left-handers thus far. He's fanned seven times overall in 17 plate appearances.

Diaz (1-1) struck out two over 1.2 hitless and scoreless innings to pick up the win over Philadelphia on Monday.

Diaz entered the eighth inning with one out and two inherited runners on and promptly picked off the lead runner. He went one to retire all four batters faced before Spencer Steer won it with a grand slam in the 10th inning. It was a nice bounce-back performance by Diaz, who blew a save his first time out. He only threw 14 pitches to get those five outs and presumably would be ready for a save opportunity Tuesday.

McCarthy started in right field and went 1-for-3 with a run scored in Monday's 5-2 loss to the Yankees.

McCarthy entered the starting lineup for the injured Alek Thomas (hamstring) and scored on a Ketel Marte sacrifice fly. All three of McCarthy's plate appearances were against right-handers, and he was pinch-hit for by the switch-hitting Jorge Barrosa when southpaw Victor Gonzalez was throwing for New York. McCarthy and Barrosa could platoon while Thomas is sidelined.