MLB Player News

Realmuto went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's loss to the Red Sox.

His eighth-inning blast off Matt Barnes gave the catcher 17 homers on the year, tying last year's career high. Realmuto appears to be wearing down at the end of a long season, slashing .188/.290/.325 through 22 games in August, but he's still provided some fantasy value with three homers, 11 RBI and two steals on the month.

Contreras is not starting Tuesday against the Mets.

Contreras has a heavier workload than most starting catchers, regularly starting four or more games in a row without a rest. He'll sit Tuesday after starting four straight, with Victor Caratini getting the start in his place.

Casali is picking up a rare start at first base Tuesday night, batting eighth against the Brewers, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Casali has had a fantastic season at the plate in limited exposure as the backup catcher, well above his career norms. He's coming off a big day Saturday that included a homer against right-hander Brandon Kintzler. He'll face the Brewers' Junior Guerra on Tuesday.

Grandal is not in the lineup Sunday against the Padres, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Grandal started the past four games for Los Angeles, but he'll take a seat on the bench with lefty Robbie Erlin taking the hill for San Diego. Austin Barnes will assume catching duties for the afternoon.

The Braves designated Stewart for assignment Sunday, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan Atlanta reports.

Stewart's removal from the active and 40-man rosters clears a spot with the big club for corner infielder Rio Ruiz, who was promoted from Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move. The 35-year-old backstop had been serving as the Braves' backup catcher the last few days, but he fell to No. 3 on the depth chart after Kurt Suzuki (triceps) returned to the lineup Saturday against the Marlins.

Realmuto is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against Atlanta, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

Realmuto will head to the bench after starting the last 12 games for the Marlins, but continues to struggle with a .173/.284/.280 slash line in August. Bryan Holaday will start at catcher and bat seventh for the series finale against the Braves.

Plawecki is out of the lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Nationals, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Plawecki could be moved to the paternity list "any day now," but at this point no official move has been announced. Tomas Nido will start behind the plate and bat eighth for the Mets.

Casali went 2-for-3 with a double, a home run and four RBI in Saturday's 10-6 loss to the Cubs.

Getting the start at first base and hitting seventh, Casali blasted a three-run homer off Brandon Kintzler in the eighth inning, his fourth long ball in 35 games for the Reds. Casali's .333/.410/.552 slash line isn't sustainable -- he came into Saturday's contest with a .710 OPS in 195 career big-league games -- but as long as he's swinging a hot bat he'll keep finding his way into the lineup.

Plawecki will be put on paternity leave "any day now," Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

With Devin Mesoraco nursing a neck sprain, Tomas Nido is the only healthy catcher on New York's active roster at the moment. Until his wife goes into labor, Plawecki will likely continue to receive regular starts behind the plate, which is where he's situated for Friday's series opener against Washington.

Mesoraco was diagnosed with a neck sprain and will require a few days off to recover, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Mesoraco added that he doesn't expect to go on the DL, but that may become an option if he's still dealing with discomfort by the end of the weekend. Prior to Friday's game, the Mets recalled Tomas Nido from the minors in order to serve as Kevin Plawecki's backup while Mesoraco is sidelined.