MLB Nightly 9: Grand night for Reds; O's, Jays get feisty

Alec Brzezinski

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MLB Nightly 9: Grand night for Reds; O's, Jays get feisty image

Each night we'll provide you with the nine top story lines from the day's action, beginning with the stars of the day, and look ahead to the next day's matchups.

MLB enjoyed an offensive bonanza Tuesday. The Reds and Brewers combined for 26 runs and a major league record-tying three grand slams. The Blue Jays had the long ball going as well in a 13-6 win against the Orioles that included fireworks between Jose Bautista and Adam Jones.

Some of the highlights from Tuesday's games:

Impact players

C — Welington Castillo, Cubs: Castillo went 2 for 5 with a home run and two RBIs in a 9-8 win against the Pirates.

1B — Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays: Encarnacion went 2 for 5 with two solo home runs, the second a shot into the upper deck at Rogers Centre.

2B — Elian Herrera, Brewers: Herrera was called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs before the game to replace the injured Scooter Gennett, and he made the most of his opportunity with a grand slam and an RBI single.

SS — Zack Cozart, Reds: Cozart made a big contribution to Cincinnati's 16-10 victory, going 3 for 5 with two home runs and three RBIs.

3B — Mike Moustakas, Royals: Moustakas went 3 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs in KC's 6-5 comeback victory over the Twins.

OF — Kole Calhoun, Angels: Calhoun had a monster game at the plate in a 14-1 drubbing of the Athletics. He went 4 for 5 with a home run, three RBIs and three runs scored.

DH — Dioner Navarro, Blue Jays: Navarro was a big factor in the Blue Jays' rout of the O's. He was 3 for 5 with a run scored.

SP — Hector Santiago, Angels: Santiago took advantage of the run support; he allowed one run and three hits and struck out eight over six innings.

Key injuries

The Diamondbacks placed third baseman Jake Lamb on the 15-day disabled list with with a left foot stress reaction. Cuban rookie Yasmany Tomas made his first MLB start at third base in Lamb's place.

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (wrist) missed Tuesday's game against the Padres. He was a late scratch Monday, but he said he felt fine while taking swings Tuesday afternoon. Outfielder Corey Dickerson (foot) also missed the game; like Arenado, he expects to be back in the lineup Wednesday.

Marlins outfielder Christian Yelich (back) said Tuesday he expects to miss the next several games, and it's possible he could go on the disabled list. Yelich has struggled thus far, hitting just .200/.265/.222 in 11 games.

Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (broken toe) is likely to miss four to six weeks.

Surprise performers

Good: The Reds hit two grand slams (by Jay Bruce and Todd Frazier) and five homers overall as they beat the Brewers for a second consecutive night.

Bad: The Brewers (2-12) have a major league-worst minus-46 run differential through 14 games. The Twins (5-9) are the next at minus-27.

Web gems

Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant has been impressive with his bat in his past three games, and he continues to show good glove work.

Statcast, the high-tech tracking system MLB debuted Tuesday, showed just how impressive this Jon Jay grab was.

Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar made yet another great diving play, robbing Adam Jones of a hit and doubling up Chris Davis at second base.

Facts of the day

The Mets extended their winning streak to nine games with a 7-1 win over the Braves.

Cubs prospect Addison Russell went 0 for 4 in his MLB debut, but he looked the part.

Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard hit his first home run of the season as Philadelphia defeated the Marlins 7-3.

Reactions

The Orioles and Blue Jays apparently didn't watch the Athletics-Royals series last week.

Garcia is rookie right-hander Jason Garcia, who threw a pitch behind Bautista before Bautista went deep. It was the second time an O's pitcher has thrown behind Bautista. 

Bautista slammed the O's and manager Buck Showalter after the game.

Athletics first baseman Ike Davis pitched a perfect inning. He last pitched in college at Arizona State.

Off the field

Indians outfielder Nick Swisher (knees) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Columbus on Friday.

Diamondbacks left-hander Patrick Corbin (elbow) will throw another live batting practice session Saturday, after which he may then be cleared for an extended spring training game.

Rays pitcher Drew Smyly (shoulder) said Tuesday he "definitely" feels ready to rejoin Tampa Bay's rotation.

Dodgers outfielder Chris Heisey may be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday. Heisey traveled to San Francisco on Tuesday and was available in case Yasiel Puig (hamstring) couldn't play.

Josh Hamilton (shoulder) may report to extended spring training this week, although there was disagreement between Angels manager Mike Scioscia and general manager Jerry Dipoto about that  timetable. Hamilton could be in Arizona for two to three weeks before beginning a minor league rehab assignment. 

Phillies outfielder Domonic Brown (Achilles') is expected to use his full 20-day allotment during his rehab assignment. Brown has struggled at the plate, so the Phillies plan to leave him at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Scores

American League

Red Sox 1, Rays 0

Blue Jays 13, Orioles 6

Yankees 5, Tigers 2

Royals 6, Twins 5

Angels 14, Athletics 1

Astros 6, Mariners 3

Indians 6, White Sox 2

National League

Phillies 7, Marlins 3

Mets 7, Braves 1

Cubs 9, Pirates 8

Nationals 2, Cardinals 1, 10 innings

Reds 16, Brewers 10

Padres 7, Rockies 6

Giants 6, Dodgers 2

Interleague

Rangers 7, Diamondbacks 1

A look ahead 

Wednesday's top three games (all times Eastern):

Cardinals (8-4) at Nationals (7-7), 7:05 p.m.: St. Louis will send John Lackey to the mound to face Doug Fister and the rising Nats.

Orioles (7-7) at Blue Jays (7-7), 7:07 p.m.: Not only is this an intriguing matchup from a baseball standpoint, but the Orioles might again let Bautista know they didn't appreciate how he stared them down after his home run Tuesday night.

Braves (8-5) at Mets (11-3), 7:10 p.m.: The Mets will attempt to stretch their winning streak to 10, at home, with Dillon Gee on the mound.

Sporting News Media's Tom Gatto contributed to this report.

Alec Brzezinski