MLB Player News

Sanchez went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in Sunday's 7-1 win over San Francisco.

The veteran backstop punished his former club yet again, going yard for the second time in as many starts against the Giants. Sanchez has flashed some power since returning from the disabled list, homering four times in 25 at-bats. While the recent surge has been impressive, he'll return to a bench role when Austin Hedges (concussion) returns to action Monday against the Rockies.

Contreras went 4-for-5 with a run during Sunday's win over Baltimore.

Contreras got the short end of the stick Sunday, as Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo both hit home runs in front of him and combined to drive in four. Still, Contreras went 8-for-14 with three doubles, a home run, four RBI and three runs during the three-game series against Baltimore. He projects to see a hefty workload going forward and has the potential to be a high-end fantasy catcher in the second half.

Hedges (head) said he's hopeful he'll be able to return to action Monday against the Rockies, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Hedges missed Sunday's game against the Giants after taking a foul ball to the head during Friday's contest, but he said he's feeling better and could have entered Sunday's game, had he been needed. With that in mind, a return Monday, as the Padres open a three-game set in Colorado, seems very possible.

Hedges (head) is not in the lineup Sunday against the Giants, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Hedges will miss his second straight game after taking a foul ball to the head during Friday's outing. The catcher is replaced yet again by Hector Sanchez, who will bat cleanup in the series finale. Hedges should be considered day-to-day for the time being.

D'Arnaud is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rockies.

After making the first two starts of the second half for the Mets, d'Arnaud will take a seat in favor of Rene Rivera behind the plate.

Realmuto is out of the lineup Sunday against the Dodgers.

Realmuto started each of the first two games of the second half and seven in a row overall, so it was likely time for a regular day off. A.J. Ellis will man the backstop in his stead.

Grandal is out of the lineup Sunday against the Marlins.

Grandal started the first two games of the series but will take a seat for the finale against left-handed pitcher Chris O'Grady. Austin Barnes will man the backstop in his stead.

Sanchez started in place of Austin Hedges (concussion) on Saturday, going 1-for-4 with a walkoff two-run home run in a win over the Giants.

Sanchez was a late addition to the lineup after Hedges experienced concussion symptoms prior to Saturday's game. The veteran backstop took advantage of the opportunity and popped his career-best fourth homer of the season. Hedges' injury isn't considered serious, and he could return to the lineup as soon as Sunday, but Sanchez would be the main beneficiary if the Padres' primary catcher was forced to miss additional time.

Grandal went 1-for-5 with a three-run homer Saturday against the Marlins.

Grandal launched his 12th home run of the campaign as part of a five-run third inning that led the Dodgers to a road victory. His .267 batting average is at its highest level since his rookie year, and he's been a solid lineup option at catcher, as he also has a .474 slugging percentage.

Hedges was held out of Saturday's game after feeling some effects from taking a foul ball to the head Friday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

It appears to be a precautionary move by the Padres, as they would rather not risk a head injury with their young catcher. Initial hopes are that a stint on the 7-day concussion DL won't be needed, though it will certainly be a situation worth monitoring over the coming days. Hector Sanchez will take Hedges' place as the starting backstop for Saturday's tilt.