MLB

Winn’s homer off Brady Singer accounted for the game’s only run until the ninth, when Victor Scott II, Lars Nootbaar and Winn hit consecutive homers off Alexis Díaz. The homers were Winn’s second and third of the year. Winn was batting second for the first time this season today. That’s typically been Willson Contreras’s spot, but Contreras was dropped to fifth in spite of his improved production in recent weeks (he came into the day with a .359 average in his previous 10 games). The move up the lineup definitely makes Winn worth grabbing in mixed leagues in which he’s available.

Mikolas allowed three hits, walked none and struck out four in a second straight shutout performance; he’s lowered his ERA from 7.64 to 4.66 over the last week. We’d still typically recommend staying far away in mixed leagues, but Mikolas does get the Pirates and Nationals next week, making him a somewhat intriguing streaming option.

Singer’s second-best performance to date produced his first loss for the Reds, as he had been 4-0 with a 3.62 ERA. The Cardinals managed only a homer and a single against him today, lowering his batting-average against this season to .198. He’ll face the Braves in Atlanta next time out.

Díaz probably didn’t cost the Reds a win in the first game, but he made the nightcap a little more difficult, since the Cardinals were able to save Ryan Helsley rather than pitch him with a 1-0 lead. Díaz seems destined to head to Triple-A at some point here. He’s given up eight runs with a 3/5 K/BB ratio in six innings since returning from the injured list.

McLain has 17 strikeouts and four hits in his last nine games, and his average is down to .154. His power is all of the way back after shoulder surgery, and that’s more important for the long run than his early strikeout troubles. Still, it’d be nice to see him put some more balls into play.

Herget is off the roster just a day after being called up from Syracuse to make room for Brandon Waddell. Herget could be back as a middle-inning relief option at some point this spring/summer.

Waddell is up to make a spot appearance Wednesday against the Diamondbacks with Huascar Brazoban serving as the opener. The 30-year-old left-hander will likely head back to Syracuse after, and he isn’t a recommended option for the start against Arizona for those looking for a streamer.

Lawrence has been the victim of the DFA several times in his career, and a few of them in 2025. He was just claimed off waivers from the Mariners, and the 37-year-old will hit the wire again. If he goes unclaimed, he can report to Triple-A or elect free agency.

Lauer is up and the expectation is he’ll throw multiple innings during Wednesday’s battle against the Red Sox. The 29-year-old takes the roster spot of Casey Lawrence, who was designated for assignment in a corresponding transaction.

Woodruff, 32, gave up just three hits with one walk and three strikeouts. The right-hander continues to make steady progress in his journey to make his first MLB start in two years, but it’s worth pointing out that he dealt with fatigue after his previous outing with Triple-A Nashville. How he bounces back from this outing will help determine the next step.