MLB Player News

Murphy (forearm) could begin a rehab assignment next week, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

No word has come forth as to how many rehab games the catching prospect will play, but the Rockies will likely play things by ear as he completes each contest. Murphy has been out since spring training due to a hairline fracture in his forearm, and although his recovery has taken longer than expected, it seems like a return is on the horizon.

Plawecki was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Plawecki has just three hits during his limited time in the big leagues this season, and with Travis d'Arnaud and Asdrubal Cabrera back from injury, there's no need for the 26-year-old backstop on the roster. He'll spend more time getting at-bats in the minors until the Mets need catching reinforcements again.

Contreras is not in the Cubs' lineup Thursday against the Giants.

The backstop also was rested Wednesday after crouching for the four games prior to Tuesday. Miguel Montero takes Contreras' place batting seventh and receiving Eddie Butler's offerings.

D'Arnaud (wrist) was activated from the disabled list Wednesday, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.

As expected, d'Arnaud will rejoin the Mets ahead of Wednesday's contest against the Padres. He'll be available off the bench, though he and Rene Rivera should split duties behind the dish moving forward.

D'Arnaud (wrist) will be activated ahead of Wednesday's game against the Padres, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

While it was reported earlier that d'Arnaud wouldn't be activated prior to Wednesday's contest, that is no longer the case. With Tommy Milone (knee) now heading to the disabled list, the Mets had an available spot on the roster for the backstopper to fill. He still won't draw the start, as Rene Rivera is locked into the lineup behind the dish, though he'll be available off the bench if needed. D'Arnaud and Rivera will likely share duties behind the plate moving forward.

Hedges is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Mets.

It looks to be a routine night off for Hedges, who had been behind the dish for the last four games and 11 of the last 12 contests. Luis Torrens will receive a rare nod behind the plate, catching for Jarred Cosart.

D'Arnaud (wrist) went through batting practice Wednesday, but isn't expected to be activated from the 10-day disabled list prior to the Mets' game against the Padres, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

D'Arnaud's presence on the field prior to the game implies that he's close to returning from the DL, but with the team listing Rene Rivera as the starting catcher Wednesday, it looks like d'Arnaud won't be back until Thursday. The Mets welcomed d'Arnaud back Wednesday from his six-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas, during which he went 5-for-23 at the plate. D'Arnaud and Rivera are expected to share duties behind the plate once d'Arnaud is activated.

Contreras is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Giants.

Contreras had been behind the plate for each of the past four days, so manager Joe Maddon will give the young backstop a breather and turn to Miguel Montero to handle the pitching staff for the evening.

Rupp is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Rockies, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

Manager Pete Mackanin hinted after Tuesday's game that he planned to use backup catcher Andrew Knapp in a more expanded capacity going forward, and it appears he's sticking true to that goal by calling upon the young backstop for the second game in a row. Knapp is regarded as more of a defensive-minded catcher than Rupp, who has been a useful option in NL-only and two-catcher mixed leagues this season with a .330 on-base percentage, four homers and 13 RBI over 115 plate appearances. With Rupp seemingly on track to cede more duties to Knapp, fantasy owners may not want to grow too attached to him.

Mesoraco is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Indians, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

After going 0-for-5 with two strikeouts Tuesday, Mesoraco will get a chance to clear his head. Tucker Barnhart takes over behind the plate to catch for Lisalverto Bonilla.