MLB Player News
-
Connor Norby 3B | MIA
Marlins' Connor Norby: Batting second in return from IL
The Marlins reinstated Norby (oblique) from the 10-day injured list Thursday. He'll start at third base and bat second in the Marlins' series finale versus the Diamondbacks.
Graham Pauley was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville in a corresponding move, clearing the way for Norby to step back in as Miami's primary third baseman. The 24-year-old had been on track to open the season as an everyday player for the Marlins before he strained his left oblique in the Marlins' penultimate spring training game. After a few weeks of rest and rehab, Norby was cleared to head out on a rehab assignment last weekend, and he went 4-for-8 with a solo home run and a pair of walks over three games with Jacksonville. Now healthy, Norby will likely continue to maintain a prominent spot in the Miami lineup against both right- and left-handed pitching.
-
Christian Encarnacion-Strand 1B | CIN
Reds' Christian Encarnacion-Strand: Lands on IL with back inflammation
The Reds placed Encarnacion-Strand on the 10-day injured list Thursday with low-back inflammation.
Encarnacion-Strand had a two-RBI double in Wednesday's loss to the Mariners, but he's been playing through a back issue for a while and the Reds have decided that the best course of action is to rest him for a bit. Jeimer Candelario is likely to handle the bulk of reps at first base while Encarnacion-Strand is out, with Gavin Lux, Santiago Espinal and Noelvi Marte representing the Reds' options at third base.
-
Kyle Farmer 2B | COL
Rockies' Kyle Farmer: Knocks in two
Farmer went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored Wednesday against the Dodgers.
Farmer has gained most of his playing time at second base in the absence of Thairo Estrada (wrist), but he's recently seen work at first base and shortstop while also serving as the designated hitter. He's quietly been one of the few bright spots for the Colorado offense to begin the season, tallying multiple base hits in six of his last 11 starts. Farmer has nine doubles with four RBI and two runs scored in that span.
-
Mickey Moniak CF | COL
Rockies' Mickey Moniak: Pops second homer
Moniak went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Wednesday against the Dodgers.
Moniak has started seven straight games, six of which have come in center field in the absence of Brenton Doyle (hip). He's performed decently in that span despite six of the games being on the road, as he's collected five hits across 23 at-bats with five runs scored and two extra-base knocks. Doyle appeared as a pinch hitter Wednesday, so Moniak could lose some playing time in the coming days, depending on how the Rockies opt to split time between him and Nick Martini.
-
Gabriel Moreno C | ARI
Diamondbacks' Gabriel Moreno: Day off Thursday
Moreno is not in the lineup for Thursday's game in Miami.
Moreno started the first two games of the series but will get a breather for Thursday's matinee. Jose Herrera will do the catching and bat ninth in the series finale.
-
David Bednar RP | PIT
Pirates' David Bednar: Finding form with Indianapolis
Bednar has thrown five scoreless innings with a 7:0 K:BB with Triple-A Indianapolis.
Bednar struggled through an inconsistent 2024 season, though it was still a surprise when he was demoted after three poor appearances to kick off the new campaign. While it's a limited sample against relatively poor competition, he seems to have regained some confidence with Indianapolis. Dennis Santana has fared well in his duties as closer since Bednar was optioned, though it wouldn't be surprising to see Bednar get another chance in the big leagues sometime soon.
-
Johan Oviedo SP | PIT
Pirates' Johan Oviedo: Resumes throwing
Oviedo (lat/elbow) is throwing from 75 feet, MLB.com reports.
Oviedo had a recent check-up with doctors after being shut down with a lat injury this spring. The Pirates didn't make an official announcement, but the findings were apparently positive, as he has resumed throwing. Oviedo isn't eligible to return from the injured list until late May, though it's unclear if he'll be ready for game action at that point.
-
Nick Gonzales 2B | PIT
Pirates' Nick Gonzales: Still in boot
Gonzales (ankle) is still wearing a boot but is partially weight bearing, MLB.com reports.
Gonzales fractured his left ankle on Opening Day while rounding the bases after hitting a home run. He can play catch from a seated position and has been cleared to run on an anti-gravity treadmill, but his return to game action remains at least a few weeks away.
-
Spencer Horwitz 1B | PIT
Pirates' Spencer Horwitz: Nearing rehab assignment
Horwitz (wrist) is likely to head to the Pirates' complex in Florida to begin a rehab assignment in the near future, MLB.com reports.
Horwitz has been cleared for all baseball activity and has been taking batting practice for the last several days. He'll likely still require some time to get in a rhythm after missing all of spring training, meaning a return in early May could be realistic.