MLB Player News

Encarnacion started at first base and went 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored in Friday's 10-3 loss to the Mets.

Casey Schmitt was scratched from the lineup Friday due to back tightness, opening the door for Encarnacion to make his first start of the season. The 28-year-old recorded his first hit of the campaign with a double in the eighth inning before coming around to score San Francisco's final run of the game. Rafael Devers has yet to play first base due to lingering left hamstring tightness, so Encarnacion may continue to start if Schmitt misses additional time.

Paez cleared waivers Saturday and was returned to the Red Sox, Chris Henrique of BostonSportsJournal.com reports.

The White Sox selected Paez during the Rule 5 Draft over the winter, but after making the Opening Day roster, he was designated for assignment by the club after giving up six earned runs on four hits and three walks in just three innings over three appearances. The 22-year-old had never pitched an inning above the High-A level before debuting for Chicago, but now that he's being returned to his original organization, the Red Sox will have him report to Double-A Portland, per Christopher Smith of MassLive.com.

Jensen isn't in the lineup for the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Brewers.

Jensen has gone 2-for-16 with a home run and eight strikeouts to begin the season, and he'll now begin Saturday's festivities on the bench. Starling Marte will occupy the DH spot instead and bat sixth.

India isn't in the lineup for the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Brewers.

India will take a seat in the dugout to begin Saturday's twin bill after going 3-for-12 with a homer, five RBI and two runs scored during Kansas City's previous series against the Twins. Nick Loftin will start at the keystone and bat eighth.

The Blue Jays recalled Valenzuela from Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

The 25-year-old will join the big club for the first time in his career to provide depth at catcher while Alejandro Kirk (thumb) is on the injured list. Valenzuela has slashed .206/.295/.374 with four homers, 16 RBI and 11 runs scored across 122 plate appearances in Triple-A since joining the Blue Jays organization at last year's trade deadline.

Saggese will start at shortstop and bat sixth in Saturday's game versus the Tigers.

Saggese was in the lineup just once in the first five contests of the season, but since then he's been in the lineup for three straight games. He's filling in for the banged-up Masyn Winn (hip) at shortstop Saturday after handling second base and left field the previous two days. Saggese is 2-for-10 with a 2:4 BB:K at the dish in the early going.

Abrams went 2-for-5 with a home run and four RBI in Friday's loss to the Dodgers.

The shortstop gave the Nationals an early lead in their home opener as he took Emmet Sheehan deep in the first inning for a three-run homer. Abrams has had an impressive start to the season at the plate, batting .269 (7-for-26) through six games with two homers, four runs and 10 RBI, but he's still looking for his first steal of 2026.

Winn (hip) is absent from the lineup for Saturday's game in Detroit.

He had to depart Friday's contest due to left hip tightness, an issue that has lingered since Tuesday. Winn could be ready to return to action Sunday, but it will be Thomas Saggese filling in at shortstop and batting sixth Saturday.

Quero isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game versus Toronto.

Quero will grab a seat on the bench Saturday after beginning the series 2-for-4 in Friday's win. Reese McGuire will get the nod behind home plate and bat eighth.

Benge went 0-for-4 with a walk, an RBI and a stolen base in Friday's win over the Giants.

The rookie outfielder is finding ways to contribute while he waits for his bat to get going. Benge is batting just .130 (3-for-23) through seven games, but he's chipped in one homer, two RBI, three runs and three steals in three attempts.