MLB Player News

The Reds traded Encarnacion-Strand to the Orioles on Monday in exchange for cash considerations.

Encarnacion-Strand failed to make the Reds' Opening Day roster and was DFA'd by the team this past Wednesday. He'll get a new opportunity with the Orioles, and while he's been assigned to Triple-A Norfolk, Encarnacion-Strand could see some major-league action at first base due to the absence of Ryan Mountcastle (foot). Across 10 games in Triple-A this season, Encarnacion-Strand has gone 8-for-36 (.222) with five runs scored, two homers and eight RBI.

Naylor is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cardinals.

Naylor will hit the bench for a third straight game and for the fifth time in six contests while the Guardians face another lefty starter (Matthew Liberatore). He'll be joined on the bench by fellow left-handed hitters Chase DeLauter, Kyle Manzardo and George Valera.

The Guardians designated Allard for assignment Monday.

Allard has been touched up for 10 runs over 8.2 innings in a mop-up role out of the Guardians bullpen. He will have the option to elect free agency if he passes through waivers.

The Guardians optioned Kayfus to Triple-A Columbus on Monday.

Kayfus has slashed just .182/.280/.364 in nine games this season and has played sparingly lately, so he will head to Columbus where he can get more regular reps. George Valera (calf) was reinstated from the injured list and will take Kayfus' spot on the active roster.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said that Jones (elbow) made use of all of his pitches during his most recent live batting practice session April 6, MLB.com reports.

Jones has been conducting his rehab from UCL surgery at the Pirates' facility in Florida, but he has returned to Pittsburgh this week and is scheduled to throw a side session in front of the coaching and medical staffs Tuesday, per Chris Halicke of DKPittsburghSports.com. The Pirates haven't revealed a timeline for when Jones might be cleared for a minor-league rehab assignment, but he could be ready to take that step soon since he's been able to face hitters in live BP for nearly two months. Jones won't be eligible for activation from the 60-day injured list until late May and will likely need close to the entire 30-day window to build up his pitch count during his rehab assignment.

The Guardians activated Gaddis (forearm) from the 15-day injured list Monday.

Gaddis allowed five runs over 4.1 rehab innings with Triple-A Columbus, but the Guardians believe he's ready to help their bullpen despite those results. Though he filled a high-leverage role for Cleveland in 2025, Gaddis could be eased into such situations initially this season.

The Guardians activated Valera (calf) from the 10-day injured list Monday.

Out since Opening Day with a left calf strain, Valera slashed .294/.325/.500 with two home runs and a 3:3 BB:K in eight rehab games with Triple-A Columbus. Valera will likely push Angel Martinez for playing time in the outfield, though manager Stephen Vogt could stick with Martinez for the time being while the latter is swinging a hot bat. Valera will be on the bench Monday for the Guardians' series opener versus the Cardinals.

Saggese is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Guardians.

Nathan Church will replace Saggese in the starting nine after the 24-year-old had been included in the lineup in nine of the previous 10 contests while seeing time at three different positions. Saggese owns a .614 OPS on the season, but he slashed .350/.381/.450 over his last six games.

Manzardo is not in the lineup for Monday's contest in St. Louis.

The Guardians are facing a lefty for the sixth time in their last eight games, and Manzardo has been out of the lineup for five of those tilts versus southpaws. Rhys Hoskins will play first base and David Fry will serve as the designated hitter against Matthew Liberatore.

Waldichuk, who was placed on the 15-day injured list earlier Monday, is set to receive a second medical opinion on his left forearm injury after a doctor recommended him for Tommy John surgery, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Waldichuk previously underwent the procedure in May 2024, resulting in him missing that entire season before he returned to action in the minors last June. The southpaw struggled at the Triple-A level in 2025 but was able to make enough of an impression in spring training to secure a spot in the Nationals' Opening Day bullpen, only to go down with the forearm injury during his appearance in Sunday's win over the Brewers. Given the lengthy recovery timeline for Tommy John surgery along with the murky track record of pitchers who have had the procedure twice, Waldichuk is likely eager to avoid another operation and hoping that treating the injury with rest and rehab is a feasible option. Regardless of what treatment plan he ultimately chooses, Waldichuk appears to be headed for an extended absence.