MLB Player News

Grandal is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against Arizona, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Grandal will receive a standard day off after starting the first two games of this series, going 1-for-7 with a double during his time at the dish. In his place, Austin Barnes draws the start, batting seventh.

Barnes (hand) is in the lineup for Thursday's series finale against the Diamondbacks, MLB.com's Steve Gilbert reports.

Barnes was on the receiving end of a foul ball that grazed his throwing hand during Sunday's game, causing him to miss the last few outings while Yasmani Grandal scooped up all the starts behind the plate. The catcher was able to come in as a pinch hitter during Wednesday's victory, and appears good to go moving forward as Grandal's backup.

Realmuto is not in Thursday's lineup against the Nationals, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reports.

Realmuto will retreat to the bench after nine straight starts, going just 6-for-33 (.182) during that span. Besides two multi-hit games, the 26-year-old has been scuffling at the plate as of late, and gets a day off to clear his head while A.J. Ellis sets up behind the dish.

Mesoraco is not in Thursday's lineup against the Padres, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports.

Mesoraco missed the last three games while on paternity leave, and the catcher will continue to sit on the bench for the finale of the San Diego series as Tucker Barnhart fills in behind the plate. The 29-year-old hasn't played much in the second half of this season; with knee issues, a shoulder injury and the birth of his child forcing Mesoraco to play in only 12 games since the All-Star break. During that span, he's hit just 4-for-26 (.154), but figures to slide back into his regular role of getting roughly four starts per week moving forward.

Hedges is not in Thursday's lineup for the series finale against the Reds, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Following four straight starts behind the plate, Hedges will get a day off for Thursday's matinee while Luis Torrens draws the start in his place. Since coming off the 7-day concussion disabled list July 29, Hedges is 8-for-29 with two home runs and three RBI.

Mesoraco was reinstated from the paternity list Thursday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Mesoraco was placed on the paternity list Monday, and the Reds have started Tucker Barnhart twice and Stuart Turner once in his absence. Now back in the fold, look for Mesoraco to draw the regular starts in relief of Barnhart, provided his nagging knee issues from the last few weeks don't continue to pose a problem.

Manager Joe Maddon said after Wednesday's game that Contreras (hamstring) will likely go on the 10-day DL, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

It's a right hamstring injury for Contreras, who pulled up lame a few steps short of the first-base bag in the eighth inning. He is expected to undergo an MRI on Thursday to determine the severity of the injury, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports, but it sounds like the Cubs are already resigned to being without Contreras for a stretch. Alex Avila should take over primary catching duties in his absence.

Contreras exited Wednesday's game in the eighth inning with an apparent leg injury.

Contreras slowly left the game with a trainer after pulling up holding his hamstring while running to first base. The severity of the injury is unclear at this point, but more should be known following Wednesday's game. He looked to be in some serious pain following the injury, and even mild hamstring injuries usually sideline players for around two weeks, so a trip to the DL appears to be a strong possibility.

D'Arnaud is not in Wednesday's lineup against the Rangers.

The catcher will retreat to the bench after starting the past two games behind the plate while Rene Rivera takes over in his place. Since the All-Star break, d'Arnaud is hitting .295/.328/.393 with one home run and eight RBI.

Barnhart went 2-for-3 with a walk and a three-run home run in Tuesday's 7-3 loss to the Padres.

It was his fourth homer of the year, and second in 21 games -- along with his second multi-hit performance -- since the All-Star break. Barnhart's workload seems to be catching up to him, as he's hitting only .238 (15-for-63) over that stretch, but hopefully Devin Mesoraco will come back refreshed after his stint on the paternity list.